Final answer:
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and the health of connective tissues. Its deficiency can lead to scurvy, which is characterized by weak collagen-dependent structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vitamin C assists in collagen synthesis. This vitamin is crucial for the metabolism of connective tissue, specifically for the production of collagen, which is vital for maintaining the strength and integrity of many structures in the body. Collagen is a protein that is essential for healthy skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps maintain the immune system and has antioxidant properties that protect against free radical damage.
In cases of vitamin C deficiency, one can develop scurvy, characterized by symptoms such as fragile capillaries, gum disease, delayed wound healing, and weak bones. This highlights the importance of vitamin C for the maintenance and repair of many tissues in the body. It is not associated with increasing heart capacity or aiding digestive metabolism, nor does it contribute to free radical formation.