Author Question: Briefly outline the impact of the absence of thiamin on cell ... (Read 39 times)

stock · **on:** Aug 20, 2018

Briefly outline the impact of the absence of thiamin on cell division.

Question 2

Discuss the roles of vitamin A in body functions other than the vision.

Dnite · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Thiamin plays an important role in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and triglycerides. To aid in energy synthesis, thiamin acts as a coenzyme, meaning that an enzyme will not function unless thiamin is present. Without thiamin acting as a coenzyme, the enzymes that make DNA and RNA cannot work, and protein synthesis is halted. As a result, cell division is impeded because the genetic material (DNA and RNA) cannot be replicated.

Answer to Question 2

Vitamin A has many important functions beyond vision. Vitamin A plays an important role in cell differentiation, the process by which a nonspecialized, immature cell type becomes a specialized, mature cell type. Vitamin A is also critical for growth and reproduction, and it has a variety of immunological functions. These include the maintenance of protective barriers (such as skin and those that line organs) and the production of immune cells (such as those that produce antibodies). Preformed vitamin A is also essential for healthy bones.