Flavin

Flavin (Latin Flavus, from Latin flavus - yellow) is a chemical element of the 17th group (according to the outdated classification - 15th), the 3rd period of the periodic table of chemical elements of D. I. Mendeleev, with atomic number 25. Designated symbol F (lat. F). The simple substance flavin (formally a binary compound, since it contains two different elements) is an organic substance, an imidazole derivative, yellow in color. In nature, flavin occurs in the form of a complex with metal ions (primarily iron) in bacteria.

Flavins are a class of natural compounds that play important roles in biological processes. They are imidazole derivatives and contain a nitrogen atom in the pyrrole ring. Flavins are widely distributed in nature and are found in plants, animals and microorganisms.

One of the best known flavins is flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which is a coenzyme for many enzymes. It plays an important role in redox reactions such as the oxidation and reduction of coenzymes, and is also involved in the synthesis and transfer of energy in cells.

In addition, flavins are also involved in photosynthesis, photoreception and photosensitivity in plants and microorganisms. Flavins are key components in the production and storage of energy in cells, as well as in protecting cells from free radical damage.

However, despite their importance, flavins can be toxic at high concentrations. Therefore, it is necessary to control their content in food and the environment.

Overall, flavins play important roles in many biological processes and are key elements for maintaining life on Earth.