Vitamin C: Its Functions and Biochemistry in Animals and Plants

Han Asard, James May, Nicholas Smirnoff1859962939, 9781859962930, 0203500008, 0203597621

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a key vitamin to animals and plants. This book looks at all aspects of vitamin C; its chemical and biochemical properties, its role in various plants and animals and its effect on our health. Written by an international team of experts, together they represent much of the expertise on vitamin C throughout the world.

---

Table of contents :
Book cover……Page 1
Half title……Page 2
Title……Page 4
Copyright……Page 5
Table of contents……Page 7
Contributors……Page 9
Acknowledgments……Page 12
Abbreviations……Page 13
The optimum intake of vitamin C: history and controversy……Page 17
1. Ascorbate biosynthesis a diversity of pathways……Page 24
2. Ascorbic acid catabolism: breakdown pathways in animals and plants……Page 51
3. The biotechnology of ascorbic acid manufacture……Page 71
4. The role of ascorbic acid in defense networks and signaling in plants……Page 89
5. Ascorbate and plant growth: from germination to cell death……Page 108
6. Vitamin C transport in animals and plants……Page 123
7. Membrane redox proteins involved in ascprbate-mediated reactions……Page 147
8. Ascorbate recycling……Page 169
9. How does ascorbic acid prevent scurvy? A survey of the nonantioxidant functions vitamin C……Page 192
10. Ascorbate as an antioxidant……Page 207
11. Vitamin C and oxidative damage to DNA……Page 225
12. Vitamin C status declines with age……Page 240
13. Ascorbic acid in the central nervous system: uptake, distribution and functions……Page 269
14. Physiology of vitamin C in neutrophils during inflammation……Page 288
15. Ascorbic acid in atherosclerosis……Page 303
16. Dietary allowances for vitamin C: Recommended Dietary Allowances and optimal nutrient ingestion……Page 337
Index……Page 369