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

What is the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, Q. What is the parasite tha...

Q. What is the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis? How is the disease transmitted and what are its typical manifestations? The Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan Toxoplas

What is intracardiac repair of tetralogy of fallot, What is Intracardiac Re...

What is Intracardiac Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot ? Technique : The essential steps are: (I) relief of right ventricular outflow obstruction, and (2) closure of ventricular

Explain about the brownian ratchets and molecular motors, Explain about the...

Explain about the Brownian ratchets and molecular motors ? How work is carried out by molecules within biological cells is essential to understanding how cells function. A clue

What ions must a plant obtain from the soil, What ions must a plant obtain ...

What ions must a plant obtain from the soil in order to make (a) ATP, (b) chlorophyll?   (a) To create ATP (adenosine triphosphate) a plant requires a supply of phosphate io

Where do the two neuronal pathways diverge, Where do the two neuronal pathw...

Where do the two neuronal pathways diverge For both the neuronal pathways i.e. light reflex and near reflex the efferent fibres go to are 3rd cranial nerve and then to sphinct

What is crf annotation checklists, Question 1: Highlight the salient...

Question 1: Highlight the salient features of eTrials EDC. Explain briefly what is eTrials EDC Describe the salient features of eTrials EDC in comparison with other ED

Define the causes of failures of root canal treatment, Define the Causes of...

Define the Causes of Failures of Root Canal Treatment 1. Errors in diagnosis and treatment planning 2. Coronal leakage ( inadequate restorative protection) 3. Lack of kno

Carbohydrates, what is the structural formula for Galactose?

what is the structural formula for Galactose?

Corticosteroid, Corticosteroid Anti-inflammatory and immuno suppressiv...

Corticosteroid Anti-inflammatory and immuno suppressive. Route: Oral, parental, dose as prescribed. Side-effects: sodium and fluid retention, potassium and ca

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