Fruits Gone Bad? Discover Enzymatic Browning

Have you ever wondered why apple slices turn brown once you cut them or why a yellow banana gets dark spots over time? Both of these phenomena have the same cause: enzymatic browning triggered by an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (PPO). In this activity, you will find out how this enzyme works by turning a banana from yellow to brown in just a matter of seconds. Then you will explore how you can keep your apple slices looking fresh!

Topics

  • enzymatic activity
  • enzymatic reaction
  • chemical reaction
  • quinone
  • oxidation
  • polyphenol oxidase (PPO)
  • enzymes
  • food