Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2019 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Which of the following chemicals is known as Vitamin C?
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (D) Ascorbic acid
The chemical name for Vitamin C is ascorbic acid.
Citric Acid — Found naturally in citrus fruits like lemon and orange — responsible for their sour taste — but it is not Vitamin C. It is used as a food preservative and flavouring agent.
Lactic Acid— Produced in muscles during anaerobic respiration and by bacterial fermentation in dairy products like curd and cheese — it is not a vitamin at all.
Folic Acid — This is Vitamin B9 — essential for DNA synthesis and cell division — particularly important during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects — but it is not Vitamin C.
All Vitamins —
| Vitamin | Chemical Name | Deficiency Disease |
|---|---|---|
| A | Retinol | Night blindness |
| B1 | Thiamine | Beriberi |
| B2 | Riboflavin | Ariboflavinosis |
| B3 | Niacin | Pellagra |
| B5 | Pantothenic Acid | Paresthesia |
| B6 | Pyridoxine | Anaemia |
| B7 | Biotin | Dermatitis |
| B9 | Folic Acid | Neural tube defects |
| B12 | Cobalamin | Pernicious anaemia |
| C | Ascorbic Acid | Scurvy |
| D | Calciferol | Rickets |
| E | Tocopherol | Infertility |
| K | Phylloquinone | Bleeding disorder |
