Question

Bacteria cannot survive in a pickle with high salt concentration because

• A. Salt inhibits reproduction of bacteria.
• B. They will be killed due to plasmolysis.
• C. Nutrients in it cannot support life.
• D. Enough light is not available for photosynthesis.

Answer 1

The correct option is B They will be killed due to plasmolysis.

Plasmolysis is an organical phenomenon of exosmosis when a cell or tissue is kept on a strong hypertonic solution (more salt and less water), shrinkage of the protoplast of a cell from its cell wall occurs and the cell dies. Even bacteria and fungi cannot grow in the hypertonic solution because they cannot survive in a pickle with high salt concentration as it is killed by plasmolysis. Plasmolysis fundamentals are practiced in pickle making and canned foods/fruits.

So, the correct answer is option B.