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Kitase is ____ the active coenzyme of vitamin K.

User Sira Lam
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Final answer:

Vitamin K is not referred to as 'Kitase'; it is an essential nutrient that serves as a coenzyme for processes like blood clotting. Deficiency in vitamin K can result in severe bleeding and clotting issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

Kitase is not the active coenzyme of vitamin K; rather, vitamin K itself acts as a coenzyme in the body. The biochemical role of vitamin K includes being necessary for the proper formation of prothrombin, which is the inactive precursor of thrombin. Thrombin is an enzyme that plays a key role in blood clotting, converting fibrinogen into fibrin and ultimately aiding in the formation of blood clots.

Vitamin K fulfills several critical roles:

It increases the activity of many clotting factors.

Initiates the biosynthesis of the enzyme proconvertin in liver cells.

Participates in the electron transport chain.

Acts as a coenzyme for carboxylation of glutamate to γ-carboxyglutamate.

Deficiency in vitamin K can result in increased clotting time and decreased blood prothrombin levels, leading to continuous bleeding, especially during childbirth. It is important to include adequate vitamin K in the diet to maintain proper clotting function and overall health.

User Gerald Hughes
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