Science And Mysteries

Friday, 24 May 2013

Onion

STRANGE PHENOMENON

Have you ever wonder why you cry when cutting or slicing onion?


Don't worry, it is not a problem or disease. Onion and garlic both contain derivatives of sulphur-containing amino acids. When an onion is sliced, one of the compounds, S-1-propenlcynsteine-sulphoxide, is decomposed by an enzyme to the volatile propanthial-s-oxide, which is the irritant or lacrimator. This substance causes irritation to the eye, which triggers your tear gland, there by causing you to cry. So you see crying when slicing an onion is not a disease nor a problem, it's just a normal stuff.