Problem 65 - Arihant Objective Approach to Organic Chemistry for IIT JEE and NEET all Medical Entrances Part 4

Question

Anti-haemorrhagic factor is: (a) vitamin \(\mathbb{K}\) (b) vitamin \(\mathrm{D}_{2}\) (c) vitamin \(\mathrm{A}_{2}\) (d) vitamin \(B_{12}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The anti-haemorrhagic factor is vitamin \( K \).

Step 1: Understand the Question

The question asks for the vitamin known as an anti-haemorrhagic factor. This refers to a vitamin that helps in preventing excessive bleeding by aiding in the clotting of blood.

Step 2: Recall Vitamin Functions

Review what each vitamin listed in the options does. Vitamin K is known for its essential role in the blood clotting process. Vitamins D, A, and B12 serve different functions not related to blood clotting.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Vitamin

Since vitamin K is primarily responsible for blood coagulation, the correct choice, based on its role as an anti-haemorrhagic factor, is vitamin \( K \).

Key Concepts

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in several bodily functions. One of its main functions is aiding in the process of blood clotting. Without enough Vitamin K, the body cannot form blood clots effectively. This can lead to excessive bleeding from even minor injuries. Stored primarily in the liver, Vitamin K is obtained from dietary sources and microbial synthesis in the intestine. It is found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. Additionally, it is present in vegetable oils and some fruits. Due to its significant role in preventing excessive bleeding, it is often referred to as the "anti-haemorrhagic vitamin."

Blood Clotting

Blood clotting, or coagulation, is a complex process involving multiple steps to prevent excessive bleeding. When a blood vessel is injured, the body initiates a chain reaction that involves the activation of clotting factors. These factors are proteins that help in converting soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin threads.
Vitamin K is indispensable in this process as it is required for the synthesis of certain clotting factors, including prothrombin (Factor II). Without Vitamin K, the chain reaction of clot formation cannot proceed effectively, leading to increased bleeding risk.

• Initiation: The injury signals the start of clot formation.
• Amplification: Clotting factors are activated to amplify the response.
• Propagation: Further factors reinforce the clot.

Clot formation helps in preventing excessive blood loss, which is crucial for maintaining normal cardiovascular function.

Anti-haemorrhagic Factor

The term "anti-haemorrhagic factor" is another name for Vitamin K because of its critical role in preventing haemorrhage, or excessive bleeding. It supports the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver, which are necessary for blood coagulation.
In newborns, Vitamin K is particularly vital. They typically receive a Vitamin K injection at birth to prevent haemorrhagic disease of the newborn. This condition could lead to spontaneous bleeding in tissues and organs due to insufficient clotting factors. Improper levels of Vitamin K in adults can lead to prolonged clotting times, which may present as easy bruising or excessive bleeding from cuts. Thus, ensuring an adequate intake of this vitamin is integral to maintaining healthy coagulation pathways.