Which of the following statement is false about Ascorbic acid ?

Q: Which of the following statement is false about Ascorbic acid ?

Which of the following statement is false about Ascorbic acid ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (3):
The statement "It does not participate in fighting bacterial infection" is the false statement about Ascorbic acid, which makes it the correct answer to the question. Ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C, plays an absolutely vital role in supporting the body's immune system, which is responsible for fighting off all kinds of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. It supports immune function by enhancing the production and activity of white blood cells, such as phagocytes and T-lymphocytes. Furthermore, Vitamin C concentrates in immune cells and is rapidly consumed during an active infection, underscoring its necessary participation in the body's defensive response against bacterial infections.

The incorrect option is (1):
The statement "Ascorbic acid is a natural water soluble vitamin" is factually true, and thus it is an incorrect choice for the 'false' statement question. Vitamins are fundamentally classified based on their solubility, and Ascorbic acid belongs unequivocally to the water-soluble group (along with the B vitamins). This property means it is not stored in large amounts in the body and is readily excreted in urine, which necessitates a regular dietary intake. The fact that it is water-soluble is one of the foundational characteristics defining Vitamin C.

The incorrect option is (2):
The statement "It is an antioxidant agent" is a correct and well-established fact regarding Ascorbic acid's function, making this option incorrect. Vitamin C is renowned for being a potent antioxidant, particularly in the aqueous (water-based) environments of the body. Its chemical structure allows it to donate electrons easily, which is the mechanism by which it neutralizes harmful free radicals and reactive oxygen species. This action protects critical cellular components like proteins, lipids, and DNA from oxidative stress and damage.

The incorrect option is (4):
The statement "It works for formation of collagen in fibrous tissue" is correct, which is why it is an incorrect answer for the false statement question. Ascorbic acid is indispensable as a cofactor for the two key enzymes, prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, which are essential for stabilizing the three-dimensional structure of the collagen molecule. Without adequate Vitamin C, the collagen produced is unstable and weak, leading to compromised fibrous tissue throughout the body. This critical role in collagen synthesis explains the symptoms of scurvy, the classic deficiency disease of Vitamin C.