We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Flavoprotein?

By Megan Shoop
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,472
Share

A flavoprotein is one of many proteins present in human and animal cellular structure. They contain a specific nucleic acid called riboflavin and are necessary for a number of cellular functions, such as ridding the cells of waste. When examined under a microscope, a flavoprotein is usually yellow, which is where the prefix in the word comes from — flavus translates to 'yellow' in Latin. The other part of the term, protein, refers to the flavoprotein's ability to perform specific and necessary biological functions.

In addition to ridding cells of waste, a flavoprotein also allows nutrients into a cell through its wall. This process of moving useful items into the cell and waste items out is called respiration. It is a continuous process, very similar to breathing, during which necessary oxygen enters the lungs, is processed, and exits the lungs as carbon dioxide. In the case of cellular function, a flavoprotein lets nutrients enter a cell, helps the cell process them, and pushes waste back through the cell wall.

Scientists classify flavoproteins as an enzyme, or a catalyst, for cell functions. Enzymes are very stable molecular structures that hold together easily and help perform necessary chemical reactions. They are called catalysts because they stimulate these reactions quickly and can perform the same function many times without breaking down. Catalysts stimulate the beginning of a reaction, similar to a small match starting a larger bonfire. The match is only involved in the first spark of the fire, which usually needs no further stimulation to spread.

The nucleic acid that allows a flavoprotein to function is riboflavin, a nutrient formed when the body absorbs vitamin B12. Riboflavin restores the nutrients in flavoprotein, making vitamin B12 essential to healthy cell function. Without vitamin B12, cell respiration can break down, leaving waste to collect inside cells. In extreme cases, this can kill an organism. Most cases of B12 deficiency are minor, however, and may cause symptoms like fatigue and a general feeling of heaviness.

Those concerned about getting enough B12 into their diets should typically consume a healthy amount of dairy products and mushrooms, as well as all kinds of beans, kale, and spinach. About one serving each day of any of these foods should keep one’s flavoproteins healthy and functioning. Individuals having difficulty consuming enough B12, such as lactose-intolerant people, may want to try taking vitamin supplements. One can usually find B12 supplements in most grocery or discount stores, both sold individually and as part of multivitamin mixes. Those interested in taking supplements should always consult their doctors for information regarding proper dosage amounts.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-flavoprotein.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.