Question

Lack of which vitamin impairs the synthesis of DNA precursors?

1) Vitamin B12
2) Vitamin B9 (Folate)
3) Vitamin C
4) Vitamin D

Answer 1

Option (1), Lack of either Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) or Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) impairs the synthesis of DNA precursors, as both are necessary for proper DNA synthesis and cell division, especially in the production of red blood cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lack of Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) or Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) can impair the synthesis of DNA precursors. Both vitamins function as co-enzymes during the DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is essential for the correct functioning of the nervous system and the production of red blood cells, whereas Vitamin B9 is crucial for numerous bodily functions including cell growth and amino acid metabolism.

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the conversion of methyl malonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA and the methylation of homocysteine to methionine, which both play a role in DNA precursor synthesis. Similarly, Vitamin B9 is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and to work alongside Vitamin B12 to regulate red blood cell formation.