Question

Ascorbic acid is present in :
a.) Citrus fruits
b.) Ant’s sting
c.) Spinach
d.) Lemons

Answer 1

Hint: Ascorbic acid is also known as Vitamin C . It is found in the substances along with citric acid. The substance rich in citric acid, also contains this ascorbic acid.

Complete answer:
Ascorbic acid acid also known as Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and since lemon is also citrus fruit, here there are two correct options : Option (A) citrus fruits and Option (D) Lemons.
Other acids that are common in these citric fruits are citric acid.
Now, we can look at the acids present in other options
Option (B) Ant’s sting, contains formic acid or methanoic acid in it. The name formic acid itself comes from the latin word for ant, formica.
Option (C) Spinach, has oxalic acid in it. This oxalic acid helps in the absorption of ${ Ca }^{ 2+ }$ ions.
Option (A) citrus fruits and Option (D) lemon are the correct answers.
So, the correct answer is “Option A and D”.

Additional Information: Citric acid is usually found in citrus fruits such as lemon. It is a mild organic acid that is not very corrosive in nature.
Citric acid from lemons is often used as an additive in food preparation, to add as a tart flavor and as a preservative.
For example, citric acid is used for maintaining the colour of the fresh vegetables (to prevent browning) and is also used for maintaining the colour of meat at the time of storage.
It also helps in preventing the crystallization of sucrose in candy and also promotes flexibility and separation of cheese slices.
Unlike citric acid, Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is an essential nutrient,i.e, it cannot be synthesised by our body and needs to be supplied through our diet essentially.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is a potent antioxidant drug which has a huge application in dermatology, in the case of skin repairing, in the formation of collagen protein, as well as for the formation of crucial proteins required for the formation of certain cartilages in our body.
Ascorbic acid is also an important antioxidant, a nutrient that prevents damage to our body by free radicals. These free radicals are formed in our body during the metabolism of food we take and also mainly when we are exposed to pollutants such as cigarette smoke .This will ultimately result in the development of cancer, heart disease and arthritis.

Note: Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water soluble carbohydrate like substance. Deficiency of which leads to a disease condition known as ‘scurvy’.Symptoms like anaemia, weakness, gum disease and skin problems are some symptoms of this condition.