Vitamins
In the context of biochemistry, vitamins are organic compounds that are vital for maintaining normal body functions. They are categorized as either water-soluble or fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins B and C, need to be consumed regularly because they are not stored in the body. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, D, E, and K, are stored in our fat cells and liver and are released as needed.
These essential nutrients play roles in a wide range of physiological processes, including but not limited to the support of the immune system, bone health, blood clotting, and cellular damage repair. For instance, Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, involved in bone health, while Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, preventing the oxidative stress that can damage cells. Unfortunately, the human body cannot synthesize most vitamins, which means they must be obtained from the diet or in some cases from supplements.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They are fundamental to living organisms, particularly for the synthesis of proteins, which are crucial for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs. Amino acids can be classified into two groups: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained from food. In total, there are 20 standard amino acids that the human body uses to build proteins.
For example, aspartic acid, mentioned in the exercise, is a non-essential amino acid and an important participant in the Krebs cycle, which is a series of chemical reactions that generate energy in the cell. In addition to their role in protein synthesis, amino acids are involved in various metabolic pathways, where they aid in processes such as neurotransmitter transport and biosynthesis.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is an essential vitamin that has several roles in maintaining overall health. It is a potent antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals in the body, which are compounds that can cause cellular damage leading to various diseases and aging. Moreover, ascorbic acid is essential for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters; it is also involved in protein metabolism. Collagen is a vital component of connective tissue and plays a critical role in wound healing.
Humans are unable to synthesize this critical molecule due to the absence of a key enzyme required for its production, which is why it is essential to include vitamin C-rich foods in our diets, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green vegetables, or to take dietary supplements if necessary.
JEE MAIN AND ADVANCED Preparation
Preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) MAIN and ADVANCED, which serve as the entrance tests for engineering colleges in India, demands a thorough understanding of subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Specifically, for Chemistry, it is essential for students to have a sound knowledge of organic chemistry, including the study of various organic compounds like vitamins and their roles in biological systems.
When studying for the JEE, students are advised to delve deep into the application of concepts such as the structure and function of amino acids, vitamins, and their deficiency diseases. Conceptual clarity, combined with rigorous practice through solving multiple types of problems, is crucial. As the curriculum encompasses both theoretical and practical knowledge, incorporating a balanced study plan and taking mock tests can help students in evaluating their understanding and in getting accustomed to the pattern and difficulty level of the exams.
