Why do plants produce vitamin K1?
I've noticed that faster growing plants (herbs, for example) tend to be higher in vitamin K1. Does vitamin K1 regulate growth in plants (possibly via calcium metabolism).
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Vitamin k1, also known as Phylloquinone, is involved in the process of photosynthesis in plants. It is found within the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, the parts of plant cells that convert sunlight into energy for the plant. Phylloquinone is a co-factor in Photosystem I. The phylloquinon molecule accepts a free electron and then passes it on to the new step in the reaction. So phylloquinone is involved in converting energy from the sun. Plants that are growing quickly need more enegry and contain more chloroplasts in their leaves. Green leafy vegetables contain the most vitamin K1, such as kale, lettuce, spinach or herbs like parsley because they are fast growing annual plants with leaves full of chloroplasts. The chloroplasts contain pigments to absorb the sunlight that happen to appear green to us so making the leaves green. |
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