"He knew that LF must start off as a different molecule. That’s because it only caused a tearing of the eyes once the onion’s skin was broken. He hypothesized that a chemical reaction must take place as an onion is cut. Block thought this chemical reaction must convert a stable molecule into one that could quickly vaporize and burn the eyes...
As to why onions produce the eye-irritating chemical in the first place, Block says it probably helps the plant defend itself from predators. The chemicals that hurt human eyes might also trigger pain in other organisms. This would make the plant less appealing to wildlife, insects and even some bacteria or fungi.
“It’s an intricate reaction millions of years in the making,” Block says. “You can’t help but be in awe at the beauty of nature when you start to look at what’s happening around us on the [chemical] level.”"
This website is so cool, I would have been totally into it as a young student
FB: As you prepare to make Thanksgiving dinner, here's why it's so painful!
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