Biotin is a bi-heterocyclic, essential water soluble vitamin and a cofactor synthesized in most of the plants and prokaryotes. Protein-bound biotin in usually found in dietary sources like meat, cereals, egg yolk, liver and some vegetables.
Synonyms: Bios II; Coenzyme R; D-Biotin; Vitamin B7; Vitamin H
Storage: -20C
Biochem Physiol Actions: Biotin functions as a coenzyme for acetyl CoA, pyruvate, propionyl-CoA and 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylases for the regulation of gluconeogenesis, lipid homeostasis, pleotropic gene expression and to replenish the intermediates of tricarboxylic cycle. Biotin bound to histones plays an important role in chromatin remodeling, DNA repair and repression of transposons to maintain genome stability. Inadequate biotin levels may lead to dermatitis, conjunctivitis, alopecia, and central nervous system abnormalities.