Explain the role of biotin in intermediary metabolism with suitable examples. Add a note on the mechanism of action of any biotin-antagonist with its application in medicine.
Biotin (Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H) is a water soluble vitamin that functions as a coenzyme for several carboxylase enzymes in intermediary metabolism. Its central role is to carry activated carbon dioxide for carboxylation reactions essential in gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism.
Examples of biotin dependent enzymes include:
Pyruvate carboxylase: converts pyruvate to oxaloacetate, supporting gluconeogenesis and replenishing citric acid cycle intermediates.
Acetyl CoA carboxylase: catalyzes the rate limiting step in fatty acid synthesis, forming malonyl CoA.
Propionyl CoA carboxylase: processes odd chain fatty acids and amino acids such as isoleucine, valine, methionine, and threonine.
Methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase: contributes to leucine catabolism.
Biotin antagonist – Avidin: A glycoprotein in raw egg white that binds biotin with extreme affinity, preventing absorption and causing deficiency. This property is exploited in research, where avidin or streptavidin conjugates enable sensitive detection of biotinylated probes.
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