Colap dari kibot cantik--Laporan-Ebook-Biochemistry

Many enzymes require nonprotein helpers for catalytic activ- ity. These adjuncts, called
cofactors, may be bound tightly to the enzyme as permanent residents, or they may bind
loosely and reversibly along with the substrate. The cofactors of some enzymes are
inorganic, such as the metal atoms zinc, iron, and copper in ionic form. If the cofactor is
an organic molecule, it is more specifically called a coenzyme. Most vitamins are im-
portant in nutrition because they act as coenzymes or raw ma- terials from which
coenzymes are made. Cofactors function in various ways, but in all cases where they are
used, they per- form a crucial function in catalysis (Campbell et al, 2008: 156).

Cofactors are atoms or molecules (other than proteins) that associate with enzymes and
are necessary for their function. Some are metal ions. Organic molecules that are
cofactors are called coenzymes. Vitamin C is a coenzyme, and many B vitamins are
remodeled into coenzymes. Coenzymes in some reactions are tightly bound to an
enzyme. In others, they participate as separate molecules. Unlike enzymes, many
coenzymes are modified by taking part in a reaction. They typically become regenerated
in other reactions. For example, the coenzyme NAD+ (nico- tinamide adenine
dinucleotide) becomes NADH by accept- ing electrons and hydrogen atoms in a reaction.
NAD+ is regenerated when the NADH gives up the electrons and hydrogen atoms in a
different reaction (Starr et al, 2011: 81).

Most of the coenzymesare the derivativesof water soluble B-complex vitamins. In fact,
the biochemicalfunctionsof B-complexvitaminsare exertedthroughtheir
respectivecoenzymes.The chapteron vitaminsgivesthe detailsof structure and function of
the coenzyme. Non-vitamincoenzymes: Not all coenzymes are vitamin derivatives.There
are some other organicsubstancesw, hich have no relationwith vitamins but function as
coenzymes.They rnay be consideredas non-vitamincoenzymese.g. A TP ,CDP , UDP etc
(Satyanarayana and Chakrapani: 1999: 97)

Most enzymes require cofactors, which are metal ions or organic coenzymes. Cofactors in
some antioxidants help them stop reactions with oxygen that produce free radicals. Cells build,
convert, and dispose of most substances in enzyme-mediated reaction sequences called
metabolic path- ways. Controls over enzymes allow cells to conserve energy and resources by
producing only what they require. Allosteric sites are points of control by which a cell adjusts
the types and amounts of substances it makes. Feedback inhibition is an example of enzyme
control. Redox (oxidation–reduction) reactions in electron transfer chains allow cells to
harvest energy in manageable increments (Starr et al, 2011: 90).

Antimetabolites : These are the chemical
compounds that block the metabolic

reactions
by their inhibitory , usually structural analogues of substrates and thus are
competitive inhibitors.They are in use for cancer therapy, is unchanged while V^^* is
lowered. Bout etc. The term antivitamins is used for the
antimetaboliteswhich block the
biochemical
actionsof vitaminscausingdeficiencies,e.g.
sulphonilamided, icumarol
(Satyanarayana and Chakrapani, 1999: 93).
Vitamins are organic substances that are essential in very small amounts; no other substance can
carry out their metabolic functions. At a minimum, human cells require the thirteen vitamins
listed in Table 36.2. Each has specific roles. For instance, the B vitamin niacin is modified to
make NAD, a coenzyme (Section 5.4). Most people can get all the vitamins and minerals they
need from a well-balanced diet. Some studies have even found an increased death rate
amongpeople who take supplemental antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E). If
you take an over-the-counter multivitamin, be sure the quantities it provides are not excessive. In
addition to vitamins and minerals, a healthy diet should include a variety of phytochemicals, also
known as phytonutrients. These organic molecules are found in plant foods and while not
essential, they may reduce the risk of certain disorders. For example, eating leafy green
vegetables ensures adequate intake of the plant pigments lutein and zeaxanthin. A diet low in
these phytochemicals raises the risk of macular degeneration–related blindness. (Starr et al,
2011: 608-609).

The vitamins are a group of complex organic compounds required in small quantities by
the body for the maintenance of good health. They are not normally synthesized in the
body and hence they should be supplied by the diet. The vitamins are present in foods in
small quantities. Unlike other groups of nutrients the vitamins are not chemically similar
to each other. Each vitamin has a specific chemical structure and a specific function or
functions in the living system. Most of the vitamins act as coenzymes in the body.
Normally a well balanced diet will supply all the necessary vitamins in sufficient quantity
(SAakhtisekaran, 2004: 147).

it is difficult to define vitamins precisely. vitamins may be regarded as organic

amounts to perform specific biological functions
 for normal maintenance of
optimum growth and
 health of the organism. The bacterium
E.coli
 doesnotrequireanyvitamin,asitcansynthesize all of them. lt is believedthat
during the course vitamin, of evolution,the ability to synthesizevitamins was lost.
Hence, the higher organismshave to obtainthemfrom diet.Thevitaminsarerequired
in small amounts,since their degradationis relativelyslow. (Satyanarayana and
Chakrapani: 1999: 116).

IS Syntetic of vitamin c as good as the natural vitamin, a claim put forth by some
puveyors of health food is that vitamins obtained from natural source are more healthful
than those obtained by chemicals synthesis For example, pure l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
extractedfrom rosehips is better than pure l-ascorbic acid manufactured in a
chemicalplant. (Nelson and cox, 2008: 34).

Vitamins are generally classified into two main groups. (i) fat soluble vitamins(ii)
watersolublevitamins. Fat soluble vitamins The members of this group are A,D,E and K.
All these vitamins are not soluble in water and readily soluble in fat dissolving organic
solvents. Inside the body for their transport and metabolism they need the presence of
fats. Water soluble vitamins The members of this group are B complex vitamins and
vitaminC. They are readily soluble in water. FUNCTION

1. Vitamin C is essential for building collagen the connective tissue protein which
cements the cells and tissues together. The effect of this material is to provide firm tissues
of all kinds. This vitamin helps forming strong blood vessels, teeth firmly held in their
sockets, and bones firmly held together.

ii. It has a general antioxidant role, especially in the regeneration of oxidized vitamin E in
membranes. 


iii. Ascorbic acid reduces the ferric ion (Fe3+) to ferrous (Fe2+) ion and thus helps in
the absorption of iron. It is also essential for rapid healing of wounds. 


Sources Raw fresh vegetables contain vitamin C, but some foods are more outstanding
than others. Orange, grape, lime and lemon are especially rich in vitamin C
((SAakhtisekaran, 2004: 167-168).