Consumption of untreated corn as the staple food causes the disease, pellagra. Pretreatment of corn with Ca(OH)₂ prevents this disease. Given below are options listing possible effects of Ca(OH)₂ treatment (Column X) and the enzymes affected (Column Y).

Column X Possible effects of Ca(OH)₂ treatment		Column Y Enzyme/affected
A.	Release of Vitamin B3 upon Ca(OH)₂ treatment	I.	Activity of trypsin
B.	Alkaline pH aids in digestion.	II.	Enzymes of the TCA cycle
C.	Ca improves bone strength	III.	Activity of NAD – de-pendent dehydrogenases
D.	Prevents formation of ROS	IV.	Activity of cathepsin K

​Select the correct match relevant for preventing pellagra from the options listed below:​

Correct option is C

Pellagra is caused by niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency. One way to prevent pellagra is by treating corn with Ca(OH)₂, a process known as nixtamalization. This releases bound niacin, making it bioavailable for absorption.

Step 1: Identify the Relevant Effect in Column X

• (A) Release of Vitamin B3 upon Ca(OH)₂ treatment is the most relevant to preventing pellagra.

Step 2: Identify the Enzyme Affected in Column Y

• Pellagra is linked to NAD-dependent dehydrogenases because niacin is a precursor for NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a coenzyme crucial in oxidation-reduction reactions.
• (iii) Activity of NAD-dependent dehydrogenases is the correct match.

Thus, the correct answer is: A-iii

Information Booster:

1. Nixtamalization is the traditional process of treating corn with Ca(OH)₂ to increase niacin availability.
2. Pellagra Prevalence: Historically common in regions where corn was a staple without proper processing.
3. NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): Essential for cellular metabolism and energy production.
4. Role of NAD-Dependent Dehydrogenases: Includes enzymes in glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
5. Symptoms of Pellagra: The "4 Ds" – Diarrhea, Dermatitis, Dementia, and Death.
6. Other Preventive Measures: A diet rich in niacin (e.g., meats, fish, fortified cereals).
7. Historical Impact: Pellagra outbreaks were common in the early 20th century, especially in the southern United States.

Additional Information on Incorrect Options:

• (1) C - iv (Ca improves bone strength - Cathepsin K activity)
  • This relates to bone metabolism but not pellagra.
• (2) B - i (Alkaline pH aids digestion - Trypsin activity)
  • While digestion is important, it does not directly prevent pellagra.
• (4) D - ii (Prevents ROS - Enzymes of the TCA cycle)
  • Oxidative stress prevention is beneficial but unrelated to pellagra.