StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...

The chemisrty in onions - Research Paper Example

Cite this document
Summary
The chemistry in onions Name Institution The chemistry in onions The chemistry behind why onions make us cry Allium cepa locally known as the common onion or the bulb onions is widely cultivated and used as a vegetable. The onion is taken to be an annual plant though it is a perennial or biennial plant…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER94.8% of users find it useful
The chemisrty in onions
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The chemisrty in onions"

Download file to see previous pages

Some of these acids like the 1-propenesulfenic acid is acted upon by the lachrymatory factor synthase enzyme to produce a volatile gas known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide also referred to as onion lachrymatory factor. The syn-propanethial-S-oxide diffuses in the air and on reaching the eye; a stinging sensation is felt due to its activation on the sensory neurons (Block, 2010). The onion cells contain various different enzymes kept separate and upon cutting, the cells contents become free and mix with the acids kept in the onion forming volatile compounds.

In the eye, a reaction occurs between the propanethiole S-oxide and the tears released from the tear glands forming a mild sulphuric acid stimulating rapid release of tears which in turn makes the situation more worse. The alliinase enzyme is responsible for breaking down onions compounds into unstable intermediates which either change into thiosulfinate or lachrymatory factor. Thiosulfinate is responsible for the distinct flavor and odor from the onions as well as converted into sulfur compounds that benefit the body by lowering the cholesterol levels, acting as anti-blood clotting, anti-asthma, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory.

Research has confirmed that only one specific enzyme is responsible of causing the formation of the lachrymatory factor hence inhibiting it will stop crying and on the long run increase the thiosulfinate compounds yield. Several strategies ranging from laboratory research to local imaginations have been employed towards the production of tear free onions or the prevention of the lachrymatory factor from reaching the eyes by neutralizing it in the air. To start with, the New Zealand Crop and Food Research together with the Japan House Food Corporation in 2008 developed tear free onions aiming at less reaction and irritation to the eyes.

The new variety, taste and look like the regular onions but the action of lachrymatory factor synthase enzyme is lowered through genetic alteration. The modification has been engineered through the production of genetically modified foods that have been said to contain the desired nutrients. Research refills that if onions are grown on sulfur deficient soils, the creation of lachrymatory factor and other sulfur compounds is reduced and sweet flavor enhanced. This is in relation to Vidalia; a brand of sweet onions (Imani, 2002).

The local methods used in a daily basis include: Chopping onions while chewing gum. Though the method is not as certain to the expected results, less crying is evident but the coordination between keeping on chewing the gum as you cut the onions is tricky. At the end of it, less tears come out besides high levels of irritation. It has been found to be an easy and convenient method to use (Walter, 2006). The use of goggles is gaining popularity as it gives painless results. The goggles protect the eyes from the volatile gas hence no tears or stinging.

They are easy and convenient to be used though it is an added cost and their tight grip causes uncomfortable moments (Dille, 1996). Another method fruitfully used is that of freezing the onions in the freezer for about 15 minutes before chopping. The temperature in the freezer is very low to an extent of inhibiting the onions from releasing chemicals that irritate the eyes. It is painless, no tears and irritation. The

...Download file to see next pages Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“The chemisrty in onions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words”, n.d.)
The chemisrty in onions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/chemistry/1497255-the-chemisrty-in-onions
(The Chemisrty in Onions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words)
The Chemisrty in Onions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words. https://studentshare.org/chemistry/1497255-the-chemisrty-in-onions.
“The Chemisrty in Onions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/chemistry/1497255-the-chemisrty-in-onions.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The chemisrty in onions

Reflections on Connection of Chemistry to Franciscan Values

Complete Three of the Core Felician-Franciscan Values: Transformation, Diversity, and Service One exemplary trait of being a Franciscan by heart is spontaneous acknowledgement of the value of transformation.... By far, the academe has taught students the essence of change for the sake of human growth and development in several aspects of life as it subjects the learning individuals through the various challenges of education in different levels and fields....
5 Pages (1250 words) Research Paper

Effect of Information Systems for Pharmacy Management System

This study "Effect of Information Systems for Pharmacy Management System" examines how information systems contribute to the specific responses and competitive actions of the firm.... It looks at how the resulting impacts, affects the performance of the firm.... hellip; Most studies have tried to explain the relationships between firm performance, competitive advantage, and investments made in information systems....
18 Pages (4500 words) Case Study

Ionic Liquids as Green Solvents

They have low vapor pressures and are chemically and thermally stable.... They have attracted a lot of attention recently as they emit no volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and… They are used as catalysts, electrolytes and solvents in a number of industries.... This paper will try to enumerate the importance of ionic liquids and their applications in pharmaceutical and other industries. In comparison to molecular liquids The anions and cations can be varied to get the required end product....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Separation of Complex Cations of Chromium(III) by Ion Exchange Chromatography

This method uses an ion exchange material to separate the different ions which have different affinities. Chromium III complexes are formed through the reactions of hydrochloric… It is resistant to oxidation by atmospheric oxygen thus it is safe to say that it does not corrode easily (Crompton, 2002 p350)....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Book Report The Elements: A Very Short Introduction by Philip Ball

He wrote this book keeping in mind the complexities faced by the humankind, to get the exact concept of history and cultural impact of the elements.... As per the history of these elements, Philip… And it is very time consuming for them to reach to the identification of these substances.... By examining the history set by the Greek philosopher, Philip found out that they used to believe that there are They used to believe that these are the only four elements which are needed by the modern world scientists in creating the elements like hassium and meitnerium....
5 Pages (1250 words) Book Report/Review

Written Report for Professor in Chem Department (new gas-phase ion chemistry and mass spectrometric )

Despite joining Purdue as an assistant professor in 2009, her association with the university chemistry department spans over the past decade.... After… iving Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Lanzhou University in 1999 and subsequent master's degree in organic chemistry from Shanghai Institute of Material Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, she moved to Purdue in 2002....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Heavy Metal Complexes

… The paper "Heavy Metal Complexes" is an outstanding example of an essay on chemistry.... In coordination chemistry, a complex or a coordination compound consists of a central metal ion with surplus atoms or ions attached (Gharpure) for electrovalent or covalent binding (Gilreath 225).... This complex results from the union of an electron-deficient metal with an electron donor (Gilreath 225)....
3 Pages (750 words) Research Paper

Photochemical Formation of Hydroxyl Radical from Effluent Organic Matter -the Role of Composition

The hydroxyl radicals form an important part in the radical chemistry because they are highly active and short-lived.... They are mostly formed by the decomposition of hydroperoxides or reaction of water and the… The formed radicals are also important in radiation chemistry, as it leads to the formation of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide that enhance corrosions in coolant systems....
3 Pages (750 words) Term Paper
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us