Slicing through an onion breaks open a number of cells, which releases enzymes. The escaped “enzymes, allinase and lachrymatory-factor synthase, decompose some of the other released substances, called amino acid sulfoxides. This reaction forms unstable sulfenic acids, which stabilize into a volatile gas. When this gas reaches our eyes, it reacts with the water that is intended to keep our eyes moist. The sulfenic acids mix with the tears in our eyes to form sulfuric acid, which is the same toxic stuff that is in our car batteries. Nerve endings in our eyes pick up this irritant and send a message to the brain, which then passes a message to our tear ducts that says, Dilute that irritating acid to protect my eyes. So crying or tearing is a protective measure.
Answers
Ashish Priyatam
Slicing through an onion breaks open a number of cells, which releases enzymes. The escaped “enzymes, allinase and lachrymatory-factor synthase, decompose some of the other released substances, called amino acid sulfoxides. This reaction forms unstable sulfenic acids, which stabilize into a volatile gas. When this gas reaches our eyes, it reacts with the water that is intended to keep our eyes moist. The sulfenic acids mix with the tears in our eyes to form sulfuric acid, which is the same toxic stuff that is in our car batteries. Nerve endings in our eyes pick up this irritant and send a message to the brain, which then passes a message to our tear ducts that says, Dilute that irritating acid to protect my eyes. So crying or tearing is a protective measure.