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Vitamin C Collagen Synthesis — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyPeriodontologyVitamin C Collagen SynthesisNDEB AFK

Which vitamin is essential for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine during collagen synthesis, and its deficiency causes defective wound healing relevant to periodontal surgery?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the essential cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, enzymes that hydroxylate proline and lysine residues in the collagen triple helix. These hydroxylations are critical for collagen stability and cross-linking. Deficiency impairs collagen synthesis, causing defective wound healing, capillary fragility, and gingival haemorrhage. This is directly relevant to periodontal surgical outcomes — patients with vitamin C deficiency may have impaired post-operative healing.

Reference: Kumar – Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed., 2021