Beet root tissue contains red pigment in vacuoles. Cores were exposed to 30, 50, and 70 deg C water for 5 minutes, then absorbance of the surrounding water at 530 nm was measured.
The trend is best explained by:
- A
Heat denatures the pigment, increasing absorbance.
- Bcheck_circle
High temperature disrupts the lipid bilayer and proteins, increasing membrane permeability.
- C
Beets actively transport pigment out at high temperatures.
- D
Pigment is synthesized faster at higher temperature.
Explanation
As temperature rises, phospholipid mobility increases and proteins denature, compromising membrane integrity. Pigment leaks out passively, increasing absorbance of the bath solution.