Lec. 9 Vitamines Flashcards
What tissue is heavily affected by lack of vitamin C?
Connective tissue
How can a linear polypeptide give rise to a 3 dimensional molecular machine?
The linear molecule can fold and bend to take on secondary, tertiary and quaternary conformations.
What are the parallels between a complex basket and a functional protein molecule?
the protein is made out of long “fiber” = polypeptides.
How could an entire group of mammals evolve to lose the function of an enzyme?
Via ecological buffering:
- e.g. fruit rich-diets making the need to synthesize ones own vital C obsolete. (use it or lose it!)
Is there a gene for vitamin C?
No, vitamin C is not a protein encoded in a particular DNA sequence, but there is a gene encoding an enzyme that can make vitamin C.
How did ancient Chinese navigators avoid the problem of scurvy?
By sprouting soy beans on board.
What does the discovery of vitamins have to do with colonialism?
Vitamins were discovered in the Dutch Indies in the context of beriberi disease.
What is the advantage of white (polished rice) over brown?
Better storage life, does not go rancid.
What was the solution of maize eating people of Central America to avoid
pellagra?
Pellagra is a disease caused by deficiency in niacin/ vitamin B3
Treating the corn with lime stone to make the niacin and tryptophan available
Niacin is a vitamin (B3)
Tryptophan is a amino acid
Which are the water soluble vitamins?
B’s and C
Which common non-animals foods contains vitamin B12?
Nori and shiitake mushrooms.
What condition indicate vitamin D deficiency?
Rickets
- softening and associated deformation of bones.
Which cell types are affected by vitamin D?
Most cell types in the body.
What is the vitamin D-folate hypothesis?
The proposition that changes in skin pigmentation evolved to balance levels of these photosensitive vitamins.
Which cell types are affected by vitamin D?
Most cell types in the body.
