vitamin b-12

[Aashka Popat 1A]

I think that Cobalt is the metal in Vitamin B-12, but what is the biological function?

[Chem_Mod]

Vitamin B-12 is crucial to the normal function of the brain and the nervous system. It is also involved in the formation of red blood cells and helps to create and regulate DNA. It also plays a part in the synthesis of fatty acids and energy production in cell metabolism.

[Gerald Bernal1I]

It is one of the only metal ions that is able to bond with CH3 which is a biological molecule necessary in our system for many functions.

[Samudrala_Vaishnavi 3A]

Vitamin b-12 does contain the metal cobalt, which is what forms an octahedral complex with five ligands four nitrogens from an amine group, and one ligand from a CH2 group. It acts as a catalyst (as a result of the weak bonds between the carbon in the CH2 and the cobalt) and it helps to prevent illnesses like anemia.