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

Define the rehabilitation phase of spinal trauma disease, Define the Rehabi...

Define the Rehabilitation Phase of spinal trauma disease? Once the patient s condition stabilizes, individualized diets need to be recommended, based on the energy and nutrient

Explain the types of photoelectric cells, Question 1. State the basic p...

Question 1. State the basic properties of light. Discuss the special features of ultra-microscopy and phase contrast microscopy 2. What are ultrasonic waves? Explain the dif

Oxidation reduction potential, what exactly is oxidation and reduction pote...

what exactly is oxidation and reduction potential and how its an imp. factor in spoiling meat

What is the connection between tissue fluid and plasma, What is the connect...

What is the connection between tissue fluid, plasma and lymph? Tissue fluid is plasma (minus its proteins) which has leaked out of the capillaries. Lymph is tissue fluid which

Explain the frank furcal perforation, Explain the Frank Furcal Perforation ...

Explain the Frank Furcal Perforation a) Coronal perforation at the pulpal floor of multirooted tooth. b) Due to excessive deepening at the pulpal floor during access perfora

Explain phyium oomycetes, Phyium Oomycetes 1) They reproduced asexually...

Phyium Oomycetes 1) They reproduced asexually by non-motile conidia and/or mobile flagellatedzoospores. 2) The sexual reproduction is by fusion of a male gamete with an egg

Show the regulation of blood pressure, Q. Show the Regulation of blood pres...

Q. Show the Regulation of blood pressure? Nervous System control of BP Maintains primarily an adequate systemic BP, and alters blood distribution in body to meet specific fu

Explain cap site, Cap site Two usages are given below: 1] In eukaryotes...

Cap site Two usages are given below: 1] In eukaryotes, the cap site is position in the gene at which transcription begins, and really should be called the "transcription initia

What are the advantages of panoramic x-ray, Advantages of Panoramic X-Ray ...

Advantages of Panoramic X-Ray  Opposing landmarks are easily identified  The vertical height of the bone initialy can be assessed  The procedure is performed with conveni

What is the principle of automated blood cell counters, Question 1 Discuss...

Question 1 Discuss various methods of blood collection in a laboratory. Add a note on collection of blood by using vacutainers. Make a table indicating the color of vacutainer tub

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