• Question: Why do onions make you cry ? :P

    Asked by ExplosiveBiskit to Aaron, David, Elaine, Sarah, Zoe on 11 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: David Foley

      David Foley answered on 11 Nov 2014:

      When you cut an oninon, you damage its cells. This releases and activates some enzymes, which convert some of its amino acids into syn-Propanethial S-oxide. This is a volatile chemical that acts as a lachrymator – something that makes you cry.

    • Photo: Zoe Roberts

      Zoe Roberts answered on 12 Nov 2014:

      Onions have enzymes in them which is what makes them taste of onion! When you cut into an onion you are causing the enzymes to be released. They break down sulfoxides (that are also present in the onion) to sulfenic acids which are released as a gas! It is the gas that reacts with the water in your eyes and makes you produce tears!

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