Question

Suggest a suitable word for each of the following statements.

1. Chemicals added to food to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
2. Nitrogen-fixing microorganisms are present in the root nodules of legumes.

Answer 1

a. Preservatives:

1. Food preservatives include natural or synthetic chemicals added to foods to prevent spoilage and microbial growth.
2. They help maintain the freshness of the food items and increase shelf life.
3. They maintain the consistency and texture of food items. The nutritional properties are retained and delay spoilage.
4. Examples of food preservatives include salt, sodium nitrite, spices, vinegar, and alcohol.

b. Rhizobium:

1. Rhizobium is a bacteria that lives in symbiotic association with the root nodules of leguminous plants.
2. It is a crucial nitrogen source in agricultural soil and converts dinitrogen into ammonia.
3. Rhizobium infects the roots of legumes and forms nodules. It fixes nitrogen gas from the atmosphere and makes nitrogen available for the plants.
4. The Rhizobium in turn receives nutrition from the plant through organic acids.