Chapter 19, Problem 19.27UKC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The coenzyme required for the catalytic activity of the reaction given in problem 19.25 should be identified, whether this coenzyme is an oxidising agent or reducing agent has to be determined and the vitamin which is a part of the coenzyme should be identified.

Concept introduction:

Vitamin: It is an organic molecule which is essential in trace amounts and it cannot be synthesized in the body. It must be obtained from the diet.

According to the solubility, vitamins can be classified into two:

• Water soluble vitamin
• Fat soluble vitamin

Water soluble vitamin:

• Found in the aqueous environment inside the cells.
• They have $-\text{OH},-\text{COOH}$ or other polar groups which make them water soluble.
• Some water soluble vitamins are incorporated into coenzymes.

Fat-soluble vitamin:

• Mainly they are stored in the body’s fat deposits.
• Vitamins A, D, E and K are examples.
• Over dose of these vitamins is hazardous since they accumulate in body fats.

Cofactor: It is a non-protein part of an enzyme which is essential to the enzyme’s catalytic activity and it can be a cofactor or a coenzyme.

Coenzyme: It is an organic molecule that acts as an enzyme cofactor.