Nonetheless, we want to briefly consider their roles in cellular metabolism. The chemical structure of biotin was worded out in 1942, and first synthesized in 1943. Biotin had been independently discovered by at least two groups, and it went under a variety of names, including vitamin H and protective factor X. Biotin functions as a carbon dioxide carrier in carbon dioxide fixation reactions. Fatty Acids Folic acid is actually a complex of several biologically active compounds. The formal term is pteroylglutamic acid, and it is composed of pteroic acid plus one to seven gluatmate residues.
Folic acid is required for transferring single carbon units.
It is essential in metabolism of some amino acids, and is probably most well known for its critical role in synthesis of thymine. Without folic acid, DNA synthesis is slowed or stopped. In the absence of DNA synthesis, production of some cells, such as red blood cells, is also slowed or stopped. This is particularly important for cells that undergo rapid turnover, such as red blood cells or insect hemocytes. I think it is appropriate to provide a statement as to what level of detail is subject to examination.