BOTANY WITH THE BASICS OF HYDROBOTANY (AQUATIC PLANTS OF UKRAINE) - B.Ye. Yakubenko - 2011

IV. PLANT STRUCTURE

Organic Substances of Primary Origin

Vitamins

This group comprises low-molecular-weight biologically active Organic compounds synthesized predominantly by plants. Vitamins are essential for the Human and Animal Organism. Unlike basic nutrients, however, they are required in very small quantities. A deficiency or absence of vitamins in the diet causes hypovitaminosis and avitaminosis, which underlie such diseases as scurvy, night blindness, polyneuritis, etc.

Based on their solubility in various Solvents, vitamins are divided into fat-soluble (D, E, K, and group A vitamins) and Water-soluble (C, P, PP, H, group B vitamins, pantothenic acid, Inositol, Folic acid, etc.).

Group A vitamins are carotene derivatives formed from it exclusively in animal Tissues and therefore found solely in foods of animal origin. The absence of these vitamins in The Human Body stunts growth, reduces resistance to disease, and causes Vision impairment known as night blindness. Two forms of this vitamin are known: A₁ and A₂.

Group D vitamins are derivatives of plant sterols formed from them upon ultraviolet irradiation exclusively in animal tissues. Yeast Cells, Molds, and wheat and corn grains are rich in provitamin D. A deficiency of these vitamins in the diet impairs Calcium and phosphorus METABOLISM, resulting in Rickets in children and young animals. The most active forms of this vitamin are D₂ and D₃.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is synthesized by plant Cells and Tissues. It is most abundant in cereal germs, bran, green plant leaves, sunflower oil, and other plant-based edible oils. A deficiency of vitamin E in feed and food causes reproductive dysfunction in humans and animals.

By their chemical nature, group K vitamins are naphthoquinone derivatives. They are synthesized and accumulated in plant tissues. Green leaves of spinach, shepherd's purse, nettle, cabbage, alfalfa, and other plants are particularly rich in vitamin K because the phytol molecule—a structural component of the chlorophyll molecule—is part of the vitamin K molecule. In the human and animal body, vitamin K influences prothrombin levels, from which Thrombin is formed, thereby ensuring Blood clotting. Two forms of this vitamin are known: K₁ and K₂. The latter is produced by the intestinal microflora.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is not synthesized by the human body and is obtained from PLANT AND ANIMAL foods. A deficiency of this vitamin causes scurvy and reduces the body's resistance to adverse environmental factors and infectious diseases. Rose hips, the pericarp (exocarp) of unripe walnuts, cabbage, chili peppers, black currants, cranberries, actinidia fruits, young potatoes, lemons, mandarins, and others are rich in vitamin C.

Group B vitamins include B₁, B₂, B₆, B₁₂, and others.

Vitamin B₁ (thiamine) accumulates in large quantities in wheat and rice bran and in yeast. It is a component of the Pyruvate decarboxylase enzyme, which participates in carbohydrate oxidation. Its deficiency in the body causes Nervous system disorders and multiple nerve damage in humans and animals (polyneuritis). Beriberi was the disease first described in Southeast Asia.

Vitamin B₂ (riboflavin) is a component of A number of Enzymes involved in oxidation processes within the organism. Milk, yeast, Liver, Kidneys, Heart, buckwheat groats, green peas, spinach, carrots, potatoes, and others are the richest sources of riboflavin. A deficiency of this vitamin causes decreased visual acuity, impaired trophic function of the Central Nervous System, deterioration of the Skin and mucous membranes, and impaired hematopoiesis in the Bone Marrow.

Vitamin B₃ (pantothenic acid), in the form of coenzyme A, is a component of acetyl-coenzyme A, which participates in the Biosynthesis of Cholesterol, Fatty acids, Steroid Hormones, and Other Compounds. It is found in almost all foods and is also synthesized by the intestinal microflora. A deficiency of this vitamin causes growth retardation, skin lesions, and disorders of The Nervous System and intestines.

Vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine) is a structural component of enzyme molecules that influence Protein metabolism. Its deficiency leads to dermatitis, anemia, Muscle cramps, and disrupted protein metabolism and fat synthesis in the animal organism. Yeast, wheat and rice bran, wheat germ, and liver are rich in this vitamin.

Vitamin B₁₂ (cyanocobalamin) is an anti-anemic vitamin that ensures hematopoiesis by participating in Hemoglobin synthesis. A deficiency of vitamin B₁₂ disrupts erythrocyte maturation in the bone marrow; therefore, it is extremely effective in treating Various Forms of anemia, particularly pernicious anemia. This vitamin is absent in plant foods and yeast, but is abundant in animal products—beef liver, kidneys, and heart—and to a lesser extent in meat and milk.

Vitamin PP (nicotinamide) is a component of oxidation-reduction enzymes known as dehydrogenases. The absence or deficiency of nicotinamide in the organism causes pellagra, which is accompanied by skin lesions, diarrhea, and mental disorders (hence it is also called the anti-pellagra vitamin). It is found in large quantities in yeast, bran, wheat and wheat germ, corn, potatoes, bread, milk, meat, and fish.

Vitamin H (biotin) is a component of carboxylase enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis. A deficiency of biotin in the diet causes skin and nail lesions, Hair loss, muscle weakness, drowsiness, etc. It is found in almost all foods, but is particularly abundant in the liver, kidneys, tomatoes, yeast, and egg yolk. The intestinal bacterial microflora is likely the primary source of biotin for animals and humans.

Inositol is a cyclic hexahydric alcohol found in the tissues of humans and most animals and plants in the form of phytin or phytic acid. It is an important yeast growth factor. Its deficiency in animals results in stunted growth and hair loss. It is found in all plant and animal foods. Bran and cottonseed meal are rich in phytin.

Folic acid has an anti-anemic effect. It promotes an increase in the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets, raises blood hemoglobin levels, and promotes the rejuvenation of cells and, consequently, the human organism. A deficiency of this vitamin in feed causes growth retardation and poor plumage in poultry. Folic acid is a component of enzymes that participate in the Synthesis of purine and pyrimidine bases and Certain Amino Acids. Sources of folic acid include leafy vegetables, yeast, liver, cauliflower, pumpkins, beans, and especially cherries and strawberries.