Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
A major cause of rancidity of lipids in foods is exposure to:
A
carbon dioxide
B
oxygen
C
hydrogen
D
nitrogen
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of lipid rancidity: Lipid rancidity occurs when fats and oils degrade, leading to unpleasant odors and flavors. This process is often caused by chemical reactions such as oxidation.
Identify the key chemical reaction: Oxidative rancidity is the most common type of rancidity in lipids. It involves the reaction of unsaturated fatty acids with oxygen, forming peroxides and other degradation products.
Analyze the options provided: Carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen are relatively inert gases and do not readily react with lipids to cause rancidity. Oxygen, however, is highly reactive and can initiate lipid oxidation.
Relate oxygen to lipid oxidation: Oxygen interacts with unsaturated fatty acids in lipids, especially in the presence of catalysts like light, heat, or metal ions, leading to the formation of free radicals and subsequent degradation.
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the chemical properties and the process of oxidative rancidity, oxygen is the major cause of lipid rancidity in foods.