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Pantothenic Acid |
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pantothenic acid (păn`təthĕn`ĭk): see coenzyme coenzyme , any one of a group of relatively small organic molecules required for the catalytic function of certain enzymes. A coenzyme may either be attached by covalent bonds to a particular enzyme or exist freely in solution, but in either case it participates
..... Click the link for more information. ; vitamin vitamin, group of organic substances that are required in the diet of humans and animals for normal growth, maintenance of life, and normal reproduction. Vitamins act as catalysts; very often either the vitamins themselves are coenzymes, or they form integral parts ..... Click the link for more information. . pantothenic acidOrganic compound, essential in animal metabolism. The nature of the bound form was clarified through the discovery and synthesis (1947–50) of the compound pantetheine, which contains pantothenic acid combined with the compound thioethanolamine. Pantetheine is part of two larger compounds (coenzyme A and acyl-carrier protein) that promote a large number of metabolic reactions essential for the growth and well-being of animals. A dietary deficiency severe enough to lead to clear-cut disease has not been described in humans; however, when a person is severely malnourished, deficiency of the vitamin appears to contribute to the observed weakness and mental depression. pantothenic acid [¦pan·tə¦then·ik ′as·əd] (biochemistry) C9H17O5N A member of the vitamin B complex that is essential for nutrition of some animal species. Also known as vitamin B3. Pantothenic Acid (chick antidermatitis factor), a vitamin of the B complex. Pantothenic acid is a dipeptide amide of β-alanine and pantoic acid. In animal and plant cells, it occurs as a constituent of coenzyme A, which is involved in the most important metabolic reactions. The daily human requirement for pantothenic acid is 5–10 mg; this is satisfied by maintaining a normal balanced diet, since this vitamin occurs in many foods of both animal and vegetable origin, including yeast, fish roe, beef liver, egg yolk, greens, milk, carrots, and cabbage. Pantothenic acid is also synthesized by intestinal flora. Pantothenic acid deficiency gives rise to metabolic disorders that promote the development of dermatitis, depigmentation, hair loss, fur and feather loss, and cessation of growth. Emaciation and changes in adrenal gland and nervous system activity arise, as well as disorders of motor coordination and of function in the liver, stomach, heart, and intestine. Pantothenic acid is used to relieve intestinal atony following gastrointestinal surgery, and its calcium salt is recommended for other therapeutic purposes. L. N. MATVEEVA Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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