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 body building functions of proteins, Define Body Building functions ...

Define Body Building functions of proteins? The primary functions of proteins, as you might be aware, is tissue growth and maintenance. Protein contains amino acids - the build

Chemical stress, Chemical Stress Survival of cells is dependent on car...

Chemical Stress Survival of cells is dependent on carrying out of a set of chemical reactions (metabolic reactions) in a particular order. This results in a net gain in mass a

Annelida, what are the characteristics of polychaeta

what are the characteristics of polychaeta

Define food availability and food access, Define Food availability and Food...

Define Food availability and Food Access? Food availability: This refers to availability of necessary types of food in sufficient quantity, to the individual. The sources may b

Explain the alterations occurring in fish, Alterations occurring in fish ...

Alterations occurring in fish The skeletal muscle of fish consists of short fibers arranged between sheets of connective tissue. The connective tissue in the fish muscle is les

Why is the aids treatment often done with a drug cocktail, Q. Why is the AI...

Q. Why is the AIDS treatment often done with a drug cocktail? The treatment of obtain immune deficiency syndrome is often done with one or more anti-retroviral drugs of differe

Determine about the manganese, Determine about the Manganese   Manganes...

Determine about the Manganese   Manganese performs some functions in photosynthesis and acts to regulate the intake of certain elements and their oxidation states.   Several cr

How will it impact the rest of the organs, Starting at the esophagus, trace...

Starting at the esophagus, trace the pathway of food through the system. At each organ, indicate anatomical adaptations to the general GI tract tube structure that enhance the spec

What are ions, What are ions? What are the two types of molecules into whic...

What are ions? What are the two types of molecules into which ions are classified? Ions are atoms or substances electrically charged by means of loss or gain of electrons.

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