Question

In Controlled Atmospheric Storage, oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are maintained as

• A. Low concentration of oxygen and high concentration of carbon dioxide
• B. High concentration of oxygen and low concentration of carbon dioxide
• C. Low concentration of oxygen and low concentration of carbon dioxide
• D. High concentration of oxygen and high concentration of carbon dioxide

Hint:

To preserve produce, you want to put it to "sleep." This means slowing down its breathing (respiration). You achieve this by reducing the oxygen it needs to "breathe" and increasing the carbon dioxide it "exhales," which further slows the process.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

 

Step 1: Understanding the Concept: 
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage is a technique used to extend the shelf life of fresh produce, like fruits and vegetables. The goal is to slow down the natural respiration and ripening processes. 
 

Step 2: Detailed Explanation: 
Respiration in plants involves taking in oxygen (O\(_2\)) and releasing carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)), similar to breathing in animals. This process leads to the breakdown of stored sugars and the eventual decay of the produce. To slow this down, CA storage modifies the atmosphere: 
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Oxygen (O\(_2\)) is reduced: Normal air has about 21\% oxygen. In CA storage, this is significantly lowered, typically to a range of 1-5\%. Lowering oxygen directly reduces the rate of respiration. } \\ \bullet & \text{Carbon Dioxide (CO\(_2\)) is increased: Normal air has very little CO\(_2\) (about 0.04\%). In CA storage, the CO\(_2\) level is often increased. This elevated CO\(_2\) also helps to inhibit respiration and suppress the action of ethylene, the ripening hormone. } \\ \end{array}\] Therefore, the standard condition for CA storage is a low concentration of oxygen and a higher-than-normal concentration of carbon dioxide. 
 

Step 3: Final Answer: 
In Controlled Atmospheric Storage, a low concentration of oxygen and a high concentration of carbon dioxide are maintained.