Answer the question on the basis of the passage given below:

Proteins are the polymers of about twenty different \(\alpha \)-amino acids which are linked by peptide bonds. Proteins perform various structural and dynamic functions in the organisms. Proteins which contains only \(\alpha \)- amino acids are called simple proteins. The secondary or tertiary structures of proteins gets disturbed on change of pH or temperature and they are not able to perform their functions. This is called denaturation of proteins. Enzymes are biocatalysts which speed up the reactions in bio systems. Vitamins are accessory food factors required in the diet. They are classified as fat soluble (A, D, E and K) and water soluble (B and C). Deficiency of vitamins leads to many diseases. Nucleic acids are the polymers of nucleotides which in turn consists of a base, a pentose sugar and phosphate moiety. Nucleic acids are responsible for the transfer of characters from parents to offspring’s. There are two types of nucleic acids: DNA and RNA. DNA contains a five carbon sugar molecule called 2-deoxyribose whereas RNA contains ribose.

Deficiency of which of the following vitamins can cause scurvy (loosening and bleeding of gum)?

Vitamin C

The correct answer is (2) Vitamin C.

Certainly! Let's delve into the details of scurvy, including its causes, symptoms, and the role of vitamin C in preventing it.

Scurvy:
Causes:
Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that the human body cannot produce on its own, so it must be obtained through dietary sources. It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein found in connective tissues, blood vessels, bones, and skin.

Symptoms:
Scurvy has a range of symptoms, and they can vary in severity. Some common symptoms of scurvy include:

1. Bleeding Gums:  One of the hallmark symptoms of scurvy is the bleeding of gums. The gums may become swollen, painful, and prone to bleeding even with mild pressure, such as when brushing teeth.

2. Fatigue: Individuals with scurvy often experience weakness and fatigue, which can be debilitating.

3. Joint Pain: Scurvy can cause joint pain and muscle aches.

4. Skin Problems: Skin may become dry, rough, and covered in small red or purple spots. Easy bruising is also a common skin issue in scurvy.

5. Anemia:  Scurvy can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by a shortage of red blood cells, which can result in weakness and fatigue.

6. Swelling: Swelling of various body parts, such as the legs, feet, and hands, can occur due to fluid retention.

7. Wounds and Sores: Slow wound healing and the development of open sores are also possible symptoms of scurvy.

8. Mood Changes: In severe cases, individuals with scurvy may experience mood changes, including irritability and depression.

Role of Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which is a critical structural protein in the body. Collagen is responsible for maintaining the integrity and strength of various tissues, including skin, blood vessels, and gums. When vitamin C is deficient, collagen production is impaired, leading to the breakdown of these tissues. This breakdown is responsible for many of the symptoms seen in scurvy, including bleeding gums, skin problems, and joint pain.

Prevention and Treatment:
The best way to prevent scurvy is to maintain an adequate intake of vitamin C through a balanced diet. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and various other fruits and vegetables.

Scurvy can be treated by increasing the intake of vitamin C through dietary sources or supplements. When diagnosed early and treated promptly, the symptoms of scurvy can be reversed, and the affected individual can recover.

In summary, scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, which leads to various symptoms, including bleeding gums. Vitamin C is crucial for the synthesis of collagen and the maintenance of connective tissues, and its deficiency results in the breakdown of these tissues, causing the characteristic symptoms of scurvy. Adequate dietary intake of vitamin C is essential to prevent and treat this condition.