On the carbon and nitrogen source properties of vitamins
The world knows vitamins, in the field of biochemistry, often explore their source, whether it is a carbon source or a nitrogen source. Carbon is the foundation of life, and the essential quality of the configuration of all things; nitrogen is the need for protein nucleic acid, and the essential factor for maintaining vitality.

Vitamins are diverse in category, and their properties are different. Looking at all kinds of vitamins, most of them are not carbon sources. Carbon sources supply energy and are the quality of the structure, which can be metabolized and released to form the shape of organisms. However, vitamins are small in amount and special in function. They are not the main source of energy supply, and they are also difficult to be the basis of the structure. Therefore, they are fresh carbon sources.

As for nitrogen sources, the same is true. The use of nitrogen sources, in protein nucleic acid, is the key constituent of life. Vitamins, although they contain nitrogen, are not the main way for organisms to obtain nitrogen, and it is difficult to be the main supply of nitrogen sources.

In summary, vitamins are not in the category of carbon and nitrogen sources. Although they are indispensable in biochemical metabolism, such as the auxiliary of enzymes and the adjustment of metabolism, they are very different from the nature of carbon and nitrogen sources. Knowing this, only then can we know the unique position of vitamins, and in the way of biochemistry, our insight is clearer.