Past Mock and Exam Questions (Vitamin C)

Question 1

List the properties of Vitamin C

3/10

Answer 1

Most unstable vitamin

Insoluble in fat

Water soluble

Antioxidant

Acidic with a sharp or sour taste

Destroyed by heat

Destroyed by alkalis

Destroyed by light

Destroyed by oxidase (an enzyme present in the cell walls of fruit and vegetables)

Destroyed by metals e.g. copper

Question 2

List the sources of Vitamin C

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Answer 2

Rosehips
Blackcurrants
Kiwis
Oranges
Strawberries
Lemons
Tomatoes
Broccoli
Potatoes
Cabbage
Peppers

Question 3

List the functions of vitamin C

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Answer 3

Forms healthy gums and prevents inflammation

Absorption of calcium

Forms collagen

Promotes quick wound healing

Assists absorption of iron

Maintains the immune system

Powerful antioxidant

Question 4

What is the RDA of vitamin C for children?

Answer 4

45 mg

Question 5

What is the RDA of vitamin C for teenagers and adults?

Answer 5

60 mg

Question 6

What is the RDA of vitamin C for pregnant/lactating women?

Answer 6

80 mg

Question 7

Effects of deficiency of vitamin C

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Answer 7

Scurvy

Weakened body tissues

Wounds take longer too heal resulting in infection

Anaemia

Increased susceptibility to illness and infection

Risk of damage to cells by free radicals

Question 8

State how vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron

Answer 8

Ascorbic acid chemically changes ferric iron (non-haem) to ferrous iron (haem)

Question 9

Describe in detail some functions of vitamin C

4

Answer 9

Forms Collagen - helps to hold cells together to form tissue such as skin or blood vessels

Iron Absorption - Vitamin C chemically changes ferric iron (non-haem iron) into ferrous iron (haem)

Maintains immune system - Vitamin C helps white blood cells to fight illness and infection

Antioxidant - It can counteract the damaging effects of free radicals

Question 10

Describe in detail some deficiency diseases caused by a lack of vitamin C
(4)

Answer 10

Scurvy - It is a severe gum disease
Results in inflamed or receding gums that cause teeth to become loose and fall out and haemorrhaging under the skin

Weakened body tissues - results in blood vessels rupturing easily leading to bruising and bleeding

Anaemia - As vitamin C aids the absorption of iron a lack of vitamin C results in reduced absorption of iron which is needed to make haemoglobin

Free radicals - This increases the risk of some cancers, coronary heart disease and strokes