Question

Quite frequently, newspapers report about the alarming increase in chemical levels in
packed food items. Some states have even banned these food items. These chemicals
claim to destroy pests without negatively affecting humans and the environment. But,
they are not non toxic, and their use does have an impact on the health and
environment of humans.
1. How do these chemicals become a part of the food items?
2. How are they advantageous?
3. Name the biological phenomenon associated with the accumulation of chemicals in
the food chain.
4. Make a flow chart to explain the phenomenon referred to in Q. 3.

Answer 1

Answer:

[ 1.] Many of the chemicals found in food occur naturally and include nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre and a host of other elements and compounds. Chemical substances can play an important role in food production and preservation .

[ 2.] Chemical substances play an important role in food production and preservation .Flavourings are used to make food tastier.

[ 3.] Bioaccumulation is the gradual accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other chemicals in an organism. Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism absorbs a substance at a rate faster than that at which the substance is lost by catabolism and excretion.