3.3 Chemical/biochemical processesMany important deteriorative changes can occur as a result of reactionsbetween components within the food, or between components of the food and theenvironment. Chemical reactions will proceed if reactants are available and if theactivation energy threshold of the reaction is exceeded. The rate of reaction isdependent on the concentration of reactants and on the temperature and/orother energy, e.g. light induced reactions. A general assumption is that for every10°C rise in temperature, the rate of reaction doubles.Specialised proteins called enzymes catalyse biochemical reactions. They canbe highly specific catalysts, lowering the activation threshold so that the rate ofreaction (of thermodynamically possible reactions) is dramatically increased.The specificity of enzymes for a particular substrate is indicated in the name,70 FOOD PACKAGING TECHNOLOGYusually by attachment of the suffix -ase to the name of the substrate on whichit acts; for example, lipase acts on lipids, and protease on proteins. In thischapter some examples of chemical and biochemical reactions which affectshelf life, and how they can be affected in turn by packaging will be discussed.
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