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Question

The emulsifying property of mayonnaise is attributed to:

The correct answer is
Lecithin

Mayonnaise Emulsifying Property Explained

Mayonnaise is a stable emulsion, typically of oil and vinegar or lemon juice. An emulsion is a mixture of two liquids that normally don't mix, like oil and water (which is a major component of vinegar/lemon juice). The stability of this mixture depends on an emulsifying agent.

Lecithin's Role in Emulsification

  • Lecithin, primarily found in egg yolks (a key ingredient in mayonnaise), acts as a powerful emulsifier.
  • Lecithin molecules have a unique structure: one part attracts water (hydrophilic) and the other attracts oil (hydrophobic or lipophilic).
  • This allows lecithin to surround tiny oil droplets suspended in the water-based ingredients, forming a barrier that prevents the oil droplets from coalescing and separating from the mixture. This creates the smooth, creamy texture characteristic of mayonnaise.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

  • Bromolein is an enzyme found in pineapple, known for protein digestion, not emulsification in food.
  • Pepsin is a digestive enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins.
  • Ovaglobulin is a protein found in egg white, involved in structure but not the primary emulsifier in mayonnaise formation.

Therefore, the emulsifying property of mayonnaise is specifically attributed to Lecithin.

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Important Questions from Agriculture

  1. Which one of the following terms describes the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land?

  2. Directions: The following 05 (Five) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the answers to these items using the code given below:

    Statement I: India has a wide variation in population density.

    Statement II: Factors like agricultural productivity and the history of the settlement have greatly influenced the population density pattern in India.

  3. Which of the following are the characteristics of organic farming?

    1. Use of chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility.

    2. Frequent decomposing and fallowing.

    3. Use of herbs to control pests.

    4. Higher productivity per hectare.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  4. A farmer in a semi-arid area claims that his farming practice is very environment friendly. Which of the following practices on his farm can justify his claim?

    1. Planning a tree belt.

    2. Practising crop rotation.

    3. Carrying out a large scale irrigation system

    4. Using organic fertilizers.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  5. Which of the following statements about the Livestock sector in India is/are correct?

    1. Livestock contributed about 25 per cent of gross value added in agriculture.

    2. It provides self-employment to a large segment of the population

    3. The rapid growth of the livestock sector can be egalitarian inclusive

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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