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: Introduction to Controlled Atmosphere Storage: 
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage is a method used to prolong the storage life of fresh produce. It slows down natural respiration and ripening. 
 

Step 2: How CA Storage Works: 
Plants respire by taking in oxygen (O\(_2\)) and releasing carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)). This process causes produce to break down. CA storage modifies the atmosphere to slow this down: 
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Reduced Oxygen (O\(_2\)): Normal air contains about 21\% oxygen. CA storage reduces this to 1-5\%, which decreases respiration. } \\ \bullet & \text{Increased Carbon Dioxide (CO\(_2\)): Normal air has about 0.04\% CO\(_2\). CA storage increases CO\(_2\), which also inhibits respiration and the ripening hormone, ethylene. } \\ \end{array}\] Therefore, CA storage uses low oxygen and high carbon dioxide. 
 

Step 3: Summary: 
Controlled Atmospheric Storage maintains low oxygen and high carbon dioxide concentrations.