The New Year is a busy time for pharmacies and peddlers of all health-related products. In the oceans, marine organisms rely on nutrients, too, but the source of their vitamins is sometimes mysterious. (more…)
Im Zentrum des Vitamins B12 sitzt ein Kobaltatom. Dieses konnten britische Biologen und österreichische Chemiker nun durch ein anderes Metallion ersetzen – mit einem weiteren spektakulären Ergebnis: Das verwendete Rhodium passte besser in die B12-Struktur als das für die biologische Funktion des Vitamins essentielle Kobalt. (more…)
Scientists find key protein for algae growth in the ocean
Scientists have revealed a key cog in the biochemical machinery that allows marine algae at the base of the oceanic food chain to thrive. They have discovered a previously unknown protein in algae that grabs an essential but scarce nutrient out of seawater, vitamin B12.
Many algae, as well as land-dwelling animals, including humans, require B12, but they cannot make it and must either acquire it from the environment or eat food that contains B12. Only certain single-celled bacteria and archaea have the ability to synthesize B12, which is also known as cobalamin. (more…)
