Pickles are often preserved in a 20-30% salt solution called brine. How does this method prevent contamination by microorganisms?
A) Bacteria can't survive in a hypertonic solution because they lose water.
B) Bacteria can't survive in hypotonic solutions because of the added pressure of the water they take in.
C) Bacteria cells are unable to digest the salt, thus killing the cells by starvation.
D) The high-salt concentration increases the pH of the environment, making it unfavorable for bacteria to live there.
E) The high-salt concentration creates an isotonic environment that the bacteria cannot live in.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bacteria can't survive in a hypertonic solution because they lose water through osmosis, leading to dehydration and death of the cells. This is why a high-salt brine is effective at preserving pickles.

Pickles Are Often Preserved in a 20-30% Salt Solution Called