Question

The pieces of beet root do not lose their colour in cold water, but do so in boiling water because

• A. The cell wall disintegrates in boiling water.
• B. Hot water can enter the cells readily.
• C. The plasma membrane disintegrates in boiling water and becomes permeable.
• D. The pigment is not soluble in cold water.

Answer 1

The correct option is C The plasma membrane disintegrates in boiling water and becomes permeable.

The colour in beetroot is due to water soluble red pigment betacyanin. It is located in the cell vacuole. Boiling disrupts plasma membrane so that the water-soluble pigments are released into the medium and the beetroot pieces lose their colour.

So, the correct answer is 'The plasma membrane disintegrates in boiling water and becomes permeable'