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

Explain the cladosporium - fungi and yeast, Explain the Cladosporium - Fung...

Explain the Cladosporium - Fungi and Yeast? Classification Kingdom - Mycetae Division - Amastigomycota Form - Class - Deauteromycetes Form - Order - Moniliales F

Scientific activity, describe the factors which decide the broad area of sc...

describe the factors which decide the broad area of scientific activity?

Phases divided photosynthesis, Q. What are the phases into which photosynth...

Q. What are the phases into which photosynthesis is divided? Photosynthesis is divided into the photochemical phase or light reactions and the chemical stage.

What is mechanical digestion, What is mechanical digestion? In molluscs, ar...

What is mechanical digestion? In molluscs, arthropods, earthworms, birds and vertebrates, in general, which organs respectively participate in this type of digestion? Mechanica

Newcastle disease / ranikhet disease (nd/rd), N e wcastle disease / Ranik...

N e wcastle disease / Ranikhet disease (ND/RD) This disease is caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) belonging to the genus Paramyxovirus of the family Paramyxoviridae. Alo

Explain changes in gluten proteins during dough formation, Changes  In Glu...

Changes  In Gluten Proteins During Dough Formation Initially, gluten is formed when flour and water are mixed together. The proteins in the flour, glutenin and gliadin cross  l

Obelia, what are the economic importance of obelia?

what are the economic importance of obelia?

Prokaryotes and eukaryotes, Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes By now, you kno...

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes By now, you know that cell theory holds good for all living forms. However, if you examine under the microscope, the cells of a bacterium, a blue gr

Hemorrhagic enteritis, H e morrhagic enteritis in Turkeys The viral e...

H e morrhagic enteritis in Turkeys The viral etiology in turkey poults showing sudden death was first described in1930 and thereafter reported in most turkey-producing areas.

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