CFS CFS Food Chemistry & Biochemistry

Question 1

The Maillard reaction in food processing involves a reaction between which two types of compounds?

Accepted Answer

Reducing sugars and amino acids

Answer

The Maillard reaction occurs between reducing sugars and amino acids, producing the characteristic brown color and flavor in cooked foods such as bread crust and roasted meats.

Question 2

Water activity (a_w) of 0.85 is most closely associated with which type of food preservation concern?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus growth becoming possible

Answer

At a_w of 0.85, Staphylococcus aureus can grow and produce toxin, making this a critical threshold for intermediate-moisture food safety.

Question 3

Which term describes the temperature at which a protein loses its native three-dimensional structure due to disruption of non-covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation temperature

Answer

Denaturation temperature is the point at which a protein unfolds and loses its functional native structure due to heat, pH change, or chemical agents.

Question 4

Lipid oxidation in food products is primarily initiated by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Free radical chain reaction

Answer

Lipid oxidation (autoxidation) proceeds via a free radical chain reaction involving initiation, propagation, and termination stages, producing off-flavors and rancidity.

Question 5

Which of the following is a reducing sugar commonly involved in non-enzymatic browning reactions?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Answer

Glucose is a reducing sugar with a free aldehyde group that participates in the Maillard reaction; sucrose is a non-reducing sugar and must be hydrolyzed first.

CFS - Certified Food Scientist Practice Test

CFS - Certified Food Scientist Practice Test

CFS CFS Food Chemistry & Biochemistry