Multiple choice

Honey that has high concentration of sugar does not decay because

  1. It contains natural anti-oxidants that prevent bacterial attack.

  2. Bacteria cannot survive in an active state in a solution of high osmotic strength as water is drawn out.

  3. Bacteria cannot survive in an active state as it is totally deprived of oxygen.

  4. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Honey with high sugar concentration does not decay because it creates a hypertonic environment with very high osmotic pressure. When bacteria come into contact with honey, water is drawn out of the bacterial cells through osmosis into the concentrated sugar solution, causing the bacteria to dehydrate and become inactive or die. This is why pure honey can last indefinitely without spoiling.

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