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

Why in the f1 generation is one of the colors missing, Considering hybridiz...

Considering hybridization in a trait like the color of the flowers of a given plant species (red/yellow) conditioned by a pair of different alleles in relation to complete dominanc

Donor selection and kidney preservation, DONO R SELECTION & KIDNEY PRESERV...

DONO R SELECTION & KIDNEY PRESERVATION - A kidney donor should be free of hypertension, diabetes & melignancy. Cardaveric kidney is obtained from brain death person. Kidney

What is the acrosome of the sperm cell, What is the acrosome of the sperm c...

What is the acrosome of the sperm cell? How is it formed? The acrosome is a structure that has a great number of digestive enzymes, it is located in the anterior end of the spe

Define the effect of niacin deficiency on digestive sysytem, Define the Eff...

Define the Effect of niacin deficiency on Digestive Sysytem? The predominant symptoms are glossitis and diarrhoea. Glossitis, cheilosis and stomatitis may vary from mild rednes

Economic and ecological importance of molluscs, Q. What are examples of the...

Q. What are examples of the economic and ecological importance of molluscs? Molluscs are important players in several food chains in ecosystems. Many marine molluscs are part o

Brefily describe diffusion, Brefily describe diffusion ? Diffusion :  ...

Brefily describe diffusion ? Diffusion :  Diffusion is the process in which there is a net movement of particles of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an are

Protozoa, what are the disadvantages of protozoa

what are the disadvantages of protozoa

What is meant by unsaturation or saturation of oils and fats, Q. What is me...

Q. What is meant by unsaturation or saturation of oils and fats? When it is said that a triglyceride is saturated it means that in its molecule the carbon chain is bound in its

What is joints in human biology, What is Joints Joints are locations...

What is Joints Joints are locations where two or more bones come together, or articulate. Bones are joined with varying degrees of rigidity. Joints may be fixed, as in the s

Compare and contrast covalent and ionic bonds, Compare and contrast covalen...

Compare and contrast covalent and ionic bonds in molecules, give an example of each.

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