Which step in collagen synthesis requires ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as a cofactor?

  • Correct answer

    Hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues

  • Cleavage of the procollagen propeptides

  • Copper-dependent oxidative deamination of lysine by lysyl oxidase

  • Glycosylation of hydroxylysine residues

This question is one of 15 in AFK practice: Biomedical sciences. Test yourself on all of them.

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Explanations

  • Prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases require ascorbate; without it, unstable collagen forms, producing the gingival bleeding and poor wound healing of scurvy. Lysyl oxidase cross-linking depends on copper, not vitamin C.

    Source: Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry — oneguy

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