Question

With regard to enzymes, why are vitamins necessary for good health? Give examples.

a) Vitamins are cofactors that enhance enzyme activity; Examples: Vitamin C and collagen synthesis
b) Vitamins inhibit enzyme activity; Examples: Vitamin D and bone formation
c) Vitamins serve as substrates for enzyme reactions; Examples: Vitamin A and vision
d) Vitamins are antioxidants that neutralize enzymes; Examples: Vitamin E and cell protection

Answer 1

Vitamins are necessary for good health because they function as coenzymes that are essential for the proper activity of enzymes. Vitamin insufficiency can lead to many health issues, as each vitamin has specific roles, such as Vitamin A for vision and Vitamin C for collagen synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that function as coenzymes, which are necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes. They participate in a wide array of biochemical reactions essential for good health. For instance, Vitamin C acts as a direct coenzyme for enzymes involved in synthesizing collagen, an important structural protein. Additionally, various B vitamins serve as precursors or components of coenzymes in energy metabolism and other critical cellular processes.

Enzymes require these coenzymes to maintain their proper structure and activity. Without sufficient vitamins, enzymes would not work optimally, which can lead to various health issues. For example, Vitamin A is crucial for vision as it is a component of the protein rhodopsin, which allows the eye to see in low-light conditions. Other vitamins support blood clotting (Vitamin K), protect cells from oxidative damage (Vitamin E), and are involved in converting food into energy (various B vitamins).