What Are The Physiological Reactions In Humans That Lead To Tears When Cutting Onions?
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Introduction
Chopping onions often leads to unexpected tears, a common reaction due to the biochemical processes activated when an onion is sliced. Understanding why onions make us cry can help you minimize discomfort while cooking.
Why Do Onions Cause Tears?
Onions contain sulfur compounds that are released when the onion's cellular structure is broken during cutting. These compounds are harmless but can irritate our eyes. When exposed to air, they react chemically to create a gas known as syn-Propanethial-S-oxide. This gas is primarily responsible for triggering tears. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
- Chopping onions damages cell walls, thus releasing the enzyme alliinase.
- Alliinase transforms amino acid sulfoxides (such as S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides) into sulfenic acids.
- Sulfenic acids then spontaneously rearrange into syn-Propanethial-S-oxide, a volatile compound responsible for eye irritation.
- When syn-Propanethial-S-oxide reaches the eyes, it reacts with moisture to form sulfuric acid, which leads to irritation.
Understanding the Tear Production Mechanism
To comprehend why we cry when cutting onions, it's essential to examine our body's reaction to irritants. When the eyes detect irritants like the sulfuric acid produced from onion gas, they activate various physiological responses to protect themselves:
- The tear glands discharge tears as a defense mechanism to dilute and flush out the irritant.
- This reaction resembles how our skin sweats to manage heat or rid itself of irritants.
- Tears also contain enzymes that help neutralize irritants, offering relief from eye discomfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tears produced while chopping onions are a result of a chemical reaction that irritates the eyes. Our body's response includes generating tears to eliminate the irritant, similar to a natural protective reflex. Next time you chop an onion, remember the intricate physiological reactions taking place in response to this everyday kitchen task!
Expert Quote
Dr. David La France, PhD, Biochemistry Expert
The irritation caused by syn-Propanethial-S-oxide during onion chopping triggers a protective response in our eyes, leading to tear production as a method to wash away the irritant, enhancing understanding of our body's reflexes.
Published Research in the Journal of Food Science, 2020
Relevant Links
Why Do We Cry? The Science of Crying | TIME
https://time.com/4254089/science-crying/Do blind people cry when cutting onions? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/Do-blind-people-cry-when-cutting-onionsWhy we cry
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/02/cryWhy do onions make you cry? | ScienceDaily
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170620122950.htmWhy Do Onions Make You Cry? Enzymes, Treatments & More
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