In: Biology
So far we've learned about a few important cofactors involved with amino acid metabolism. What vitamin is each cofactor also known as? What reactions are each required for? And what are the dietary implications of a deficiency in each cofactor?
Ans. Pyridoxal Phosphate - Also known as Vitamin B6. It acts as a coenzyme in all transamination reactions, and in certain decarboxylation, deamination, and racemization reactions of amino acids. Its deficiency leads to Vitamin-B6 responsive epilepsy. These are pyridoxine dependent epilepsy and pyridoxal phosphate dependent epilepsy. Pork, fish, eggs, bread, soya bean are some good sources of Vit B6.
Tetrahydrofolate - Also known as Vitamin B9. It act as a cofactor in reactions responsible for the synthesis of amino acids. It is involved in the conversion of formiminoglutamic acid to glutamic acid. Its deficiency can lead to folate deficiency anemia. Broccoli, sprouts, greenn leafy vegetables, peas are some good source of Vit B9.
Cobalamin - Also known as Vitamin B12. It acts as a cofactor in amino acid metabolism. In humans, two major coenzyme B12-dependent enzyme families are known. Example, Methylmalonyl Coenzyme A mutase (MUT) is an isomerase enzyme which uses the AdoB12 (adenosylcobalmin) form and reaction type 1 to convert L-methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA, an important step in the catabolic breakdown of some amino acids into succinyl-CoA, which then enters energy production via the citric acid cycle. It lead to vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia. Meat, milk, eggs, salmon, cheese are some good sources.