Read the passage carefully and answer the Questions.

The term vitamin was coined from the word vital +amine since the earlier identified compounds had amino groups. Later work showed that most of them didn't contain amino groups, so the letter "e" was dropped and ther term vitamin is used these days.

Vitamins are classified into two groups depending upon their solubility in water or fat. Fat soluble vitamins are soluble in fat and oils but insoluble in water. They are stored in liver and adipose (fat storing) tissues.

Water-soluble vitamins are soluble in water. They must be supplied regularly in the diet as they are readily excreated in urine. 

Deficiency of which vitamin causes Scurvy?

Vitamin C

The correct answer is Option (1) → Vitamin C

Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key protein in connective tissues (e.g., skin, blood vessels, gums). Without adequate Vitamin C:

• Collagen production is impaired.
• Symptoms include bleeding gums, poor wound healing, joint pain, fatigue, and eventually, potentially fatal hemorrhaging.

Historically, scurvy was common among sailors on long voyages with limited fresh fruits/vegetables until it was discovered that citrus fruits (rich in Vitamin C) prevented it.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Vitamin B: Deficiencies cause issues like beriberi (B₁) or pellagra (B₃).
• Vitamin D: Deficiency leads to rickets (in children) or osteomalacia (in adults).
• Vitamin K: Deficiency causes impaired blood clotting and bleeding disorders.