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 do protease-supplying cells of the stomach, Q Why do protease-supplying...

Q Why do protease-supplying cells of the stomach and of the pancreas make only precursors of the active proteolytic enzymes? The stomach and the pancreas make zymogens of the p

What proportion of children with down syndrome, What proportion of children...

What proportion of children with down syndrome do you expect when women with down syndrome have children with men who have 46 chromosomes? justify answer

Define the parathyroid gland cells, Which of the following serves as a sens...

Which of the following serves as a sensor, or as part of a sensor, that functions in a negative feedback system? A. CaSRs (Calcium-Sensing Receptors) located in the plasma memb

Explain briefly protein hydrolysates, Explain Protein hydrolysates It i...

Explain Protein hydrolysates It is valued for their superior nutritional qualities, including increased bioavailability and reduced antigenecity. Several enzymatic modification

Extremes of heat and cold, Extremes of Heat and Cold Deserts are region...

Extremes of Heat and Cold Deserts are regions of aridity with rainfall of less than 20 cm per year and the soil, though L, fertile, is too porous to retain any water. In summer

Becoming online tutor, how can i work with u as an online biology tutor?

how can i work with u as an online biology tutor?

Discuss in detail about the close head injuries, Discuss in detail about th...

Discuss in detail about the Close Head Injuries Closed-head injuries result from a blow to the head, which can subject the brain to a variety of mechanical forces: Damag

What is the importance of pantothenic acid, What is the Importance of panto...

What is the Importance of pantothenic acid One of the active forms of pantothenic acid is coenzyme A, which is involved in numerous metabolic functions. It is involved in t

Essay, Need an essay for my biology class. Need to know if you can do it. ...

Need an essay for my biology class. Need to know if you can do it. Thank you Instructions. Essay Assignment: Experimental Design Now that you have completed several hands-on la

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