Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 11:19AM
Drew Wolfe

Phylloquinone

"Phylloquinone is a polycyclic aromatic ketone, based on 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, with a 3-phytyl substituent."

"It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stable to air and moisture but decomposes in sunlight. It is found naturally in a wide variety of green plants."

"It is often called vitamin K1[1]phytomenadione or phytonadione. Sometimes a distinction is made with phylloquinone considered natural and phytonadione considered synthetic."

"A stereoisomer of phylloquinone is called vitamin k1 (note the difference in capitalization)."

"Phylloquinone is an electron acceptor during photosynthesis, forming part of the electron transport chain of Photosystem I."

"Its best-known function in animals is as a cofactor in the formation of coagulation factors II (prothrombin), VII, IX, and X by the liver. It is also required for the formation of anticoagulant factors protein C and S. It is commonly used to treat warfarin toxicity, and as an antidote for coumatetralyl."

"Vitamin K is also required for bone protein formation."

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