Chapter 24.10, Problem 1QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the number of different B vitamins that participate in the reactions involved in the metabolism of carbohydrate.

Concept introduction: Carbohydrates are the biomolecules composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Carbohydrate molecules are joined together by glycosidic linkage. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy and therefore, they are important parts of human nutrients.

In glycolysis, glucose is converted into pyruvate; in glycogenesis,$\text{glucose }6-\text{phosphate}$ is converted into glycogen; in glycogenolysis, glycogen is converted to $\text{glucose }6-\text{phosphate}$; in gluconeogenesis, a non-carbohydrate substance is converted into glucose; pyruvate is converted to $\text{acetyl CoA}$ under oxygen-rich conditions and to lactate under oxygen-poor conditions in the human body.

Vitamins are defined as the micronutrients that are needed in a small amount for the proper functioning of the metabolic activities in the organisms. Coenzymes are non-protein organic compounds that are used along with the enzymes and help to carry forward the reaction. Coenzymes cannot perform on their own alone.