Question

Which of the following metal is present in vitamin B12?
A. Cobalt
B. Copper
C. Zinc
D. Magnesium

Answer 1

Hint: Vitamins are groups of organic compounds which are necessary for body development and functioning. Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Vitamin B belongs to water soluble class that are necessary for cell metabolism and synthesis of red blood cells.

Complete answer:
Vitamin B12 also known as cobalamin is a vital B vitamin which is water soluble. Vitamin B12 plays an important role for brain functioning, for synthesis of red blood cells, to make DNA and prevent pernicious anemia syndromes. Vitamin B12 is the largest and structurally most complex vitamin as it contains metal ions. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products especially in meat and dairy products and also in supplements form. And it can be produced through a bacterial fermentation process, bacteria are known to produce vitaminB12 are –Pseudomonas denitrificans, Bacillus megaterium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the stomach with the help of a protein known as intrinsic factor. Excess of Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver and the body can store vitamin B12 for up to 4 yrs. When Vitamin B12 enters the human body it changes into two active forms in the human body are methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin. As vitamin B12 consists of metal ion cobalt that’s why it is also known as cobalamin.
Copper present in hemocyanin, magnesium is a component of chlorophyll, zinc is present in carbonic anhydrase. So, these three options are not related to vitamin B12.

The correct option is A- Cobalt.

Note: Cobalt is found to be present in vitamin B12. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 causes neurological problems and anemia. People over the age of 14 should consume more than 2.4 micrograms vitamin B12 in food from or supplement form.