FACT
The structure and
function of the
nucleus will be
explained in details
in the next chapter:
The basic units of
life.
Figure 2.22: Schematic diagram of DNA and RNA: DNA is double stranded and RNA is single-
stranded.2.5 Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds required by organisms as vital nutrients in limited amounts.
Vitamins are therefore essential to a balanced diet. Vitamins have a variety of functions in
the body. Some vitamins are coenzymes, which means that they help enzymes to catalyse
a reaction efficiently. Some are responsible for regulating metabolism or act as regulators of
cell and tissue growth and differentiation.48 2.5. Vitamins