Plant Bio 1; Vitamin C Flashcards
How many prescription drugs come from plants?
1/4
Function of anti-oxidants?
Protects proteins, lipids, carbs, nucleic acids from reactive oxygen species
What regenerates other antioxidants?
Vitamin E
What is vitamin C required for?
Synthesis of collagen, norepinephrine, carnitine
What are free radicals?
Chemical containing an unpaired electron in its outer shell
Reactive oxygen species
Highly reactive
Example of vitamin C?
Ascorbic acid
What is aspirin derived from?
Willow (bark salicylic acid)
What is digoxin derived from?
Foxglove
What is malaria derived from?
Artemisia (artemisin)
Can humans (and guinea pigs) synthesise ascorbic acid?
No- due to the mutation in the last enzyme required for ascorbate synthesis
Why must vitamin c be obtained regularly?
Because it can’t be stored in the body
Good sources of vitamin C?
Kiwifruit, broccoli, peppers
Bad sources of vitamin c?
Rice Pears Potatoes Apples Tomatoes
How does cooking affect vitamin C content?
It reduces it
Best/worst way to cook broccoli?
Best= raw, steamed Worst= boiled