Question

Which instrument is primarily used to determine the plasticity of bread dough?

• A. Farinograph
• B. Extensograph
• C. Amylograph
• D. Viscometer

Hint:

Extensograph → Measures dough extensibility \& plasticity → Important for bread quality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific laboratory instrument used to measure the plasticity of bread dough. Dough plasticity, or extensibility, is its ability to be stretched without breaking, a critical property for bread quality.
Step 2: Key Concepts and Instruments in Cereal Science:
Different instruments are designed to measure specific rheological (flow and deformation) properties of dough:
- Extensograph: This instrument measures the dough's resistance to extension and its extensibility (stretchability). A dough sample is stretched until it breaks, and the force required is recorded over time. This directly assesses plasticity and elasticity.
- Farinograph: This instrument measures the water absorption of flour and the mixing properties of dough, such as development time and stability. It records the resistance of the dough against the mixing blades.
- Amylograph: This instrument measures the gelatinization properties of starch and the activity of alpha-amylase enzymes in flour.
- Viscometer: This is a general instrument used to measure the viscosity (resistance to flow) of fluids, not typically the solid-like properties of dough.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- The property of plasticity is directly related to how well the dough can stretch.
- The Extensograph is specifically designed for this purpose; its name is derived from "extension," meaning to stretch out.
- The Farinograph focuses on mixing, while the Amylograph focuses on starch behavior during heating. Neither measures plasticity directly.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, the Extensograph is the primary instrument used to determine the plasticity and extensibility of bread dough.