Folic acid, pteroyl-L-glutamic acid, or vitamin Bc is involved in the formation of new cells and therefore essential for the normal growth and development of the foetus.
Folic acid and its derivatives (mostly the tri and heptaglutamyl peptides) are widespread in nature. It is a specific growth factor for certain micro-organisms, but in animals the intestinal bacteria provide small quantities needed for growth.
The coenzyme forms are actually the reduced products of folic acid. The main function of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate (THFA) is as a carrier of a C1 (methanoate) unit in the biosynthesis of purines, serines and glycine. The nitrogen atoms at 5 and 10 positions are reactive sites of the molecule.
Good sources of Vitamin Bc are most green leaves which are especially rich in the vitamin.
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Vitamin Bc -3D structure |
Vitamin Bc -2D structure - C19H19N7O6 |
