Lecture #15 - VITAMIN C

Question 1

What is Vitamin C?

Answer 1

Vitamin C is the generic descriptor for all compounds exhibiting the biological activity of ascorbic acid.

Question 2

Why can’t humans synthesize Vitamin C?

Answer 2

Humans lack gluconolactone oxidase, the last enzyme in the Vitamin C synthetic pathway.

Question 3

How is Vitamin C stability affected by environmental conditions?

Answer 3

Vitamin C is destroyed by heat, light, oxidation, and alkaline solutions but is stable in acidic solutions.

Question 4

Two most common forms of Vitamin C

Answer 4

1. Ascorbic Acid
2. Dehydroascorbic acid

Question 5

What disease is associated with Vitamin C deficiency, and what are its symptoms?

Answer 5

Scurvy

characterized by fatigue, hyperkeratotic hair follicles, diminished vascular wall strength, impaired wound healing, and joint pain.

Question 6

What are the primary functions of Vitamin C?

Answer 6

Antioxidant
regenerates vitamin E
assists with collagen synthesis
enhances immune function
enhances iron absorption

assists in hormones, neurotransmitter and DNA synthesis.