biology question

Question

Explain, at the molecular level of proteins, why heating food in jars while planning to preserve it for long-term storage is an important step during food preservation? Explain what would happen if this step was skipped?

Answer 1

Heating food (usually to boiling or higher temperatures) denatures the proteins in pathogens (germs/viruses) essentially killing them. If this step was skipped, those germs could replicate in the jars, spoiling the food and making it inedible and dangerous if not lethal to eat.