Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) prevents scurvy because
A) it is involved in the formation of the proper b-sheet structure of collagen.
B) it is involved in the metabolism of heme used in hemoglobin.
C) it encourages the formation of disulfide linkages in collagen.
D) it is an unusual amino acid found in the primary structure of collagen.
E) it is used to hydroxylate prolines in the primary structure of collagen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vitamin C is necessary for the hydroxylation of prolines in the primary structure of collagen, which helps to stabilize the triple helix structure of collagen. Without vitamin C, collagen synthesis is disrupted and scurvy can result.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Prevents Scurvy Because