Final answer:
The most biologically active form of vitamin E is α-tocopherol, which serves as a powerful antioxidant in the body, protecting cells and other vitamins from oxidation and playing a role in various physiological processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most biologically active form of vitamin E is c. α-tocopherol. Vitamin E is known chemically as α-tocopherol and has a distinctive double ring structure called the chromane ring.
It is an oily, heat stable substance that easily oxidizes and acts as a powerful antioxidant. The antioxidant property of α-tocopherol allows it to protect other vitamins, such as vitamin A, from oxidation. It is the 5,7,8-trimethyl derivative and is recognized for having the highest vitamin activity among its counterparts.
In the body, the biochemical role of α-tocopherol involves interrupting free radical chain reactions by capturing the free radicals through its free hydroxyl group on the aromatic ring, which donates a hydrogen to stabilize the free radical. This important function assists in preventing the oxidation of vitamin A, protecting enzymes in various organs, aiding in heme synthesis, and preventing the development of certain disorders. While α-tocopherol helps in maintaining cellular health, cholecalciferol (α) is involved in the final step of vitamin D production in the kidneys, where it is converted to the biologically active form, calcitriol.