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 mid root perforation - types of root perforation, Define Mid root (l...

Define Mid root (latral) perforation? Perforation through latral wall of the root canal during cleaning and shaping or during post space preparation

Cellular type - endosperm, Cellular Type - Endosperm In this type, as...

Cellular Type - Endosperm In this type, as the name indicates, the division of the primary endosperm nucleus is immediately followed by the laying down of a wall, which is us

Shivering - heat production, Shivering - Heat Production The mechanis...

Shivering - Heat Production The mechanism of thermogenesis with which we are more familiar is shivering and all adult birds and mammals seem to use these mechanism. Shivering

Ventilation of tracheal system, Ventilation of Tracheal System The man...

Ventilation of Tracheal System The manner in which tracheae are ventilated varies with species of insects but movement of air is achieved in two ways: Diffusion

Explain increases-decreases or shifts in demand terminology, Explain about ...

Explain about the increases or decreases or shifts in demand terminology. Market into equilibrium P 1 Q 1 , here demand D 1 equals supply S 1 • When price reduce fromP 1

#green algae, #what characteristics of green algae that led to biologists c...

#what characteristics of green algae that led to biologists considered it as a plant?

Genetics, What is the term for the pattern of base pairing between one DNA ...

What is the term for the pattern of base pairing between one DNA strand and its partner in a duplex?

Cnidarians: obelia, why is obelia considered to be of special interest in Z...

why is obelia considered to be of special interest in Zoology as an animal showing an intermediate grade of organisation

Define inhibitors and enhancers - absorption of dietary iron, Define Inhibi...

Define Inhibitors and Enhancers - absorption of dietary iron? Phytates and fibre from whole grain cereals, tannins and polyphenols in tea, oxalates in green leafy vegetables li

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