Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin containing a cobalt ion at its center. It is the largest and most structurally complex vitamin, essential for neurological function, DNA synthesis, and cellular energy metabolism. Chemical Name: Cobalamin Molecular Weight: 1,355.38 g/mol Central Ion: Cobalt (Co³⁺) Structure: Corrin ring with nucleotide loop Forms: Methylcobalamin, Adenosylcobalamin, Hydroxocobalamin, Cyanocobalamin - Methylcobalamin (MeCbl): Cytoplasmic; methyl donor for homocysteine metabolism - Adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl): Mitochondrial; essential for propionate metabolism B12 serves as a cofactor for methionine synthase: - Transfers methyl group from methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine - Produces methionine (essential for SAM synthesis) - Regenerates tetrahydrofolate for nucleotide synthesis Adenosylcobalamin is cofactor for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase: - Converts methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA - Critical for propionate metabolism - Essential for mitoch
Vitamin B12: Essential Coenzyme Research Guide
Comprehensive overview of Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), an essential water-soluble vitamin critical for neurological function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation research.