Question

One of the factors required for the maturation of erythrocytes is

• A. Vitamin D
• B. Vitamin A
• C. Vitamin B${}_{12}$
• D. Vitamin C

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Vitamin B${}_{12}$

Vitamin B${}_{12}$ and folic acid (vitamin B${}_9$) (both are members of the B vitamin complex) are important for the final maturation of RBC. This is because they are both important for the synthesis of DNA and diminished quantity of DNA leads to failure of nuclear maturation and division. The RBCs also become larger than normal (megaloblasts) which are fragile and have a short lifespan (they can carry oxygen normally).

Thus, the correct answer is option C.