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Vitamin B12 is also known as:
pantothenic acid
biotin
pyridoxine
cyanocobalamin
cyanocobalamin
Vitamin B12 is chemically known as cyanocobalamin because it contains a cobalt ion at the center of its complex corrin ring structure. It is a water-soluble vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, neurological function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin B12 is chemically known as cyanocobalamin because it contains a cobalt ion at the center of its complex corrin ring structure. It is a water-soluble vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, neurological function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Think of Vitamin B12 as the 'master key' in a factory; without this key, the factory (your body) cannot open the doors to produce enough red blood cells, leading to a breakdown in operations (anemia).
B-12 rhymes with 'Co-balt' (Cobalamin).
C63тАЛH88тАЛCoN14тАЛO14тАЛP тАФ the chemical formula of cyanocobalamin
As a coenzyme, it functions in two major enzymatic reactions in humans: the conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA and the methylation of homocysteine to methionine. The cobalt center (Co+) acts as a metal cofactor, facilitating the transfer of methyl groups and hydrogen atoms required for metabolic pathways.
It is the only vitamin that contains a metal ion (Cobalt).
It is synthesized exclusively by microorganisms and is not found in plants.
Intrinsic factor, a protein secreted by the stomach, is required for its absorption.
Deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia and nerve damage.
Supports nerve tissue health
Essential for brain function
Crucial for red blood cell formation
Deficiency causes irreversible neurological damage if untreated
Treatment of pernicious anemia
Nutritional supplementation for strict vegans
Standard RDA for adults is approx 2.4 micrograms per day.
Option A (pantothenic acid) is Vitamin B5.
Option B (biotin) is Vitamin B7.
Option C (pyridoxine) is Vitamin B6.
D is correct тАФ Vitamin B12 is chemically known as cyanocobalamin and contains a cobalt coordination complex.
For competitive exams, always remember that B-complex vitamins act as coenzymes; memorizing the B1-B12 names is a high-yield task for biology sections.