Which of the following statements accurately describes vitamins?

• A. Vitamins are inorganic ions that serve as major structural components of cells.
• B. Vitamins are organic molecules required in small amounts for normal metabolic processes.
• C. Vitamins are polymers made up of amino acids.
• D. Vitamins provide a primary source of energy for cellular respiration.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the definition of vitamins. Vitamins are organic molecules, meaning they contain carbon and are derived from living organisms. They are essential for various metabolic processes in the body.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Vitamins are inorganic ions that serve as major structural components of cells.' This is incorrect because vitamins are organic molecules, not inorganic ions, and they do not serve as structural components of cells.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Vitamins are organic molecules required in small amounts for normal metabolic processes.' This is correct because vitamins are indeed organic molecules needed in small quantities to support metabolic functions such as enzyme activity and energy production.
4. Step 4: Examine the third statement: 'Vitamins are polymers made up of amino acids.' This is incorrect because vitamins are not polymers or composed of amino acids; amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not vitamins.
5. Step 5: Assess the fourth statement: 'Vitamins provide a primary source of energy for cellular respiration.' This is incorrect because vitamins do not provide energy; carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are the primary sources of energy for cellular respiration. Vitamins assist in metabolic processes but do not directly supply energy.