Question

The metal present in vitamin ${B_{12}}$ is:
(A) Magnesium
(B) Cobalt
(C) Copper
(D) Zinc

Answer 1

Vitamin ${B_{12}}$ is also known as Cobalamin. Generally the metal present in this vitamin is in +3 oxidation state but it is able to accept one or two electrons and undergo reduction.

Complete step by step solution:
We will get some information about vitamin ${B_{12}}$.
- There are many types of vitamin B. One of such vitamins is ${B_{12}}$ which is also known as Cobalamin. Vitamins are actually essential dietary fibres which are necessary for the metabolism and its absence can cause the body to function improperly.
- Vitamin ${B_{12}}$ is a water soluble vitamin. It is the largest as well as the most structurally complex vitamin. It exists in four forms, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin.
- As the common name of this vitamin suggests, the metal present in this vitamin is Cobalt (Co). Cobalt metal is placed in the centre of the corrin ring.
- The deficiency of this vitamin in our body may result in diseases like pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal problems and neurological diseases.
- This vitamin plays a vital role in the synthesis of DNA, fatty acids and in amino acid metabolism in our body.
- We can obtain this vitamin from meat, fish, eggs and milk. In green vegetables, it is found in very less quantity.
Thus, we can say that cobalt metal is involved in the structure of vitamin ${B_{12}}$.

Therefore, the correct answer is (B).

Note: Remember that in vitamins generally carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen are present. The vitamins where elements other than these four are present is:
Vitamin ${B_6}$ and ${B_{12}}$: Phosphorus
Vitamin ${B_1}$ : Sulphur
Vitamin ${B_{12}}$: Cobalt