Question

Alpha tocopherol contains:

• A. No methyl group attached to chromanol ring
• B. One methyl group attached to chromanol ring
• C. Eight methyl groups attached to chromanol ring
• D. Three methyl groups attached to chromanol ring

Hint:

Alpha tocopherol, the most active form of Vitamin E, contains three methyl groups attached to the chromanol ring. These groups are essential for its potent antioxidant activity, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Alpha tocopherol is the most active form of Vitamin E in the human body, playing a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant that has a chemical structure consisting of a chromanol ring, which is a six-membered aromatic ring containing an oxygen atom. Attached to this chromanol ring are various functional groups, including methyl groups, which are crucial for its antioxidant activity.
In alpha tocopherol, specifically, there are three methyl groups attached to the chromanol ring. These methyl groups help stabilize the structure and enhance its ability to scavenge free radicals, thereby preventing oxidative stress and protecting cellular membranes. The presence of these methyl groups also makes alpha tocopherol more potent than other forms of Vitamin E, like beta or gamma tocopherol, which have different methyl group arrangements.
It’s important to note that these methyl groups are vital for the antioxidant function of alpha tocopherol. Without these groups, the compound would not be as effective in neutralizing free radicals or in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. The structure of tocopherols, including the chromanol ring and methyl groups, allows them to interact with lipids in cellular membranes, preventing lipid peroxidation and maintaining membrane integrity.
This detailed structure-activity relationship makes alpha tocopherol an essential molecule for human health, particularly in preventing diseases related to oxidative stress, such as heart disease and certain cancers.