Define the ascorbic acid - basic concepts, Biology

Assignment Help:

Define the Ascorbic Acid - Basic Concepts?

Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, whose structure is shown in Figure. You would have noticed that its structure resembles glucose.

570_Ascorbic Acid – Basic Concepts.png

Figure: Structure of vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

As the name suggests, ascorbic acid is acidic in nature and a pure solution of this white crystalline substance has a pH of about 3. Ascorbic acid also have two possible enantiomers - the L and the D form. The D form of ascorbic acid is generally inactive as anti-scorbutic agents and naturally occurring ascorbic acid occurs in L form. Ascorbic acid is stable in solid form and in acidic solutions but is easily destroyed in alkaline solutions.

Oxidative destruction of ascorbic acid is accelerated by increasing the pH. Some mammals like rat can synthesize the vitamin from glucose by the uronic acid pathway. However, primates like humans and some other animals like guinea pig, bats, fish, birds cannot synthesize this vitamin. They lack the enzyme L gulonolactone oxidase which prevents its synthesis from glucose. Since these species from the animal kingdom cannot produce ascorbic acid, they have to obtain it entirely through the diet. Hence, its importance. The vitamin exists in the body largely in the reduced form with reversible equilibrium with a relatively small amount of dehydro ascorbic acid. Both forms are physiologically and metabolically active. We are already familiar with the functions of vitamin C.


Related Discussions:- Define the ascorbic acid - basic concepts

Evaluating the wound assessment , I will send any further instructions to y...

I will send any further instructions to you. The ist part of the assessment (1-7) that evaluates the chart i have done but it needs to be looked at to see if content okay & gram

Harshey-chase experiement, What is the Harshey-chase experiement .explain i...

What is the Harshey-chase experiement .explain in detail

An mrna molecule codifies only one type of protein, An mRNA molecule codifi...

An mRNA molecule codifies only one type of protein? Eukaryotic cells have monocistronic mRNA, i.e., every mRNA codifies only one polypeptide chain. Prokaryotes can present poly

Define body building functions of proteins, Define Body Building functions ...

Define Body Building functions of proteins? The primary functions of proteins, as you might be aware, is tissue growth and maintenance. Protein contains amino acids - the build

Determine some food sources of chromium, Determine some Food Sources of chr...

Determine some Food Sources of chromium? Chromium occurs in trivalent form in foods. Good sources of chromium include whole grains, spices and condiments, meats especially orga

Define the term- adaptation, Define the term- Adaptation The terms sco...

Define the term- Adaptation The terms scotopic and photopic vision are relative to the lighting conditions of an individual place. Light adaptation is a very quick process and

Basic principles of planning diets for diabetes, Q. Basic principles of pla...

Q. Basic principles of planning diets for diabetes? The above objectives can be met by adhering to some of the basic principles of planning diets which include the consideratio

Phylum ceolentrate, Compare and contracte the phylum of ceolantrat

Compare and contracte the phylum of ceolantrate

How fever, How Fever,Illness,Infections,Injury affects the BMR? Any ill...

How Fever,Illness,Infections,Injury affects the BMR? Any illness or fever caused by an illness influences the metabolic rate. Fevers increase the metabolic rate by about 7% for

Why are vaccines used in the prevention of infections, Why are vaccines use...

Why are vaccines used in the prevention but not in the treatment of infections? Why can antivenom serums be used in prevention and treatment? Vaccines are not used in the treat

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd