Ascorbic Acid Assay Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Ascorbic acid also known as vitamin C plays an important mechanical role as an antioxidant and a cofactor in various enzymatic reactions. It is water-soluble and has a molecular mass of approximately 176.12 g/mol. Ascorbic acid is widely expressed in fruits and vegetables and cells in both animals and plants. Inside cells it primarily exists as ascorbate which can undergo oxidation by the enzyme ascorbate oxidase relevant in some assay tools used in biology research.

Biological function summary

As a potent reducing agent ascorbic acid is critical for the hydroxylation of collagen which is essential for connective tissue strength in humans and animals. It also participates in the synthesis of carnitine involved in fat metabolism and acts in the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters. Ascorbic acid forms a part of antioxidant defense complexes working alongside enzymes like glutathione peroxidase to protect cells against oxidative stress.

Pathways

Ascorbic acid is integral in the citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and the pentose phosphate pathway. It interacts with proteins such as prolyl hydroxylase involved in collagen synthesis within the TCA cycle. The pentose phosphate pathway helps produce NADPH which works with ascorbic acid in maintaining cellular antioxidant status supporting its role in the reduction of oxidized forms of essential biomolecules.

Associated diseases and disorders

Ascorbic acid deficiency leads to scurvy a condition characterized by weakened connective tissue leading to symptoms like bleeding gums and joint pain. It also plays a role in diabetes with oxidative stress being an underlying mechanism linked to the disease. Ascorbic acid's connection to oxidative damage involves proteins like advanced glycation end-products found in diabetic complications where its antioxidant properties help mitigate related tissue damage.