An environmentalist attempted to live in a desolate forest for 6 months but had to cut his experiment short when he began to suffer from bleeding gums, some teeth falling out, and red spots on the thighs and legs. This individual is suffering from an inability to properly synthesize which one of the following proteins?

**Core Concept**
The underlying issue in this scenario is related to a nutritional deficiency affecting collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of connective tissue. This deficiency leads to a condition characterized by poor wound healing, bleeding gums, and other symptoms. The key **nutrient** involved is **vitamin C**, also known as ascorbic acid.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Vitamin C is essential for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in procollagen, a precursor to collagen. This process is necessary for the stabilization and cross-linking of collagen fibers. Without sufficient vitamin C, the body cannot properly synthesize collagen, leading to the symptoms observed, such as bleeding gums (scurvy gums), tooth loss, and perifollicular petechiae (red spots on the thighs and legs).

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This choice is incorrect because, although important for other bodily functions, it is not directly related to the symptoms described.
**Option B:** Similarly, this option does not directly relate to the specific symptoms of collagen synthesis impairment.
**Option C:** This choice is also incorrect as it does not directly link to the inability to synthesize collagen properly.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **vitamin C deficiency** leads to scurvy, a disease characterized by the symptoms described. Ensuring adequate vitamin C intake is crucial for preventing this condition, especially in individuals with limited access to a balanced diet.

**Correct Answer:** D. Collagen

✓ Correct Answer: C. Collagen