A freshly cut apple eventually turns brown after being exposed to air because its cells contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase. When this comes in contact with oxygen present in the environment, it turns the phenolic compounds present in the apple tissues into brown-colored products, imparting a brownish tinge to the freshly cut apple. One question that often accompanies yours is, "Why do some apples seem to brown faster than others?" Well, nearly all plant tissues contain PPO, however, the level of PPO activity and.
Britannica Why Do Sliced Apples Turn Brown?: This reading discusses why apples turn brown after being slit open, as well as recommendations for how to prevent this. Petroleum Museum Apple Browning Science Experiment: This experiment tests four different theories about slowing the browning process in apples. When an apple is injured (or cut into pieces), the plant tissue is exposed to oxygen.
This triggers an enzyme known as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) to-wait for it-oxidize polyphenols in the apple's flesh. This results in new chemicals (o- quinones), which then react with amino acids to produce brown. Cutting or biting also exposes an apple's cells to air, which contains oxygen.
This triggers the oxidation reaction that causes enzymatic browning. Did you know? Some types of apples have more phenolic compounds than others. These apples will turn brown much faster! What are the chemical reactions involved in enzymatic browning? When you bite or cut into an apple, air reaches the inner part of the fruit.
Once exposed to oxygen, enzymes in the apple begin converting natural chemicals called polyphenols into 'melanin', an iron-containing compound that gives the flesh a brown, rusty colour. Quick Answer: Apples turn brown when an enzyme inside them, called polyphenol oxidase (PPO), is exposed to oxygen from the air after being cut or bruised. This triggers a chemical reaction that creates a brown pigment.
You can easily slow down this browning process by using acidic juices like lemon, soaking slices in water, or storing them in the refrigerator to limit air exposure and inhibit. Leave one apple slice exposed to the air as a control to observe natural browning. Submerge another slice completely in a bowl of plain water; this will demonstrate the effect of limiting oxygen exposure.
For another slice, apply a small amount of lemon juice to its surface, which introduces an acidic environment. The reason fruits and some vegetables go brown when they are cut is because the part containing the oxygen. Why do apples turn red when exposed to air? Apples turn brown when exposed to air because of the oxidation process that goes on when the inside of the apple gets exposed to the ambient air which contains oxygen and water molecules.