answersLogoWhite

0

Many plants contain cyanic glucoside (cyanide sugars) in their leaves and other structures to discourage herbivores and insects from eating them. In digestion, the compound is converted to cyanide gas, can lead to swift asphyxiation by disrupting the conversion of oxygen to energy within cells. A well-nourished person can detoxify small amounts of cyanide during digestion.

Some common foods contain cyanic glucosides, including garden beans and peas; tapioca (cassava); and members of the rose family, especially bitter almond, peach and apricot, along with cherry, loquat, and apple. The flesh of these fruits (the part we eat) does not contain the cyanide, though the seeds do; this is why we are warned against eating apple seeds, for instance. In general one would need to chew and eat an unusual quantity of the seeds to produce a toxic effect. If they were not chewed, the seeds would likely pass through the digestive tract without harm.

Cassava root must be specially processed (by drying and washing) to remove the cyanide prior to consumption. Contact with water removes the cyanide from the food and releases it into the air.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Can the cyanide in apple seeds be boiled out?

No, boiling apple seeds will not remove cyanide as it is not a substance that can be cooked or boiled out. Cyanide is a natural component of apple seeds and is not affected by heat. It is recommended to avoid consuming apple seeds in large quantities.


Which seeds have cyanide on them?

Seeds that contain cyanide include apple seeds, apricot pits, cherry pits, and peach pits. These seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide in the body when ingested. It's important to avoid consuming these seeds in large quantities to prevent cyanide poisoning.


Can dry apple seeds when crushed make cyanide?

Yes, crushed apple seeds can release cyanide compounds, specifically amygdalin, which can convert to cyanide when metabolized. However, the amount of cyanide produced is very small and typically considered safe in the quantities found in apple seeds. Consuming a few seeds accidentally is unlikely to cause harm, but ingesting a large number of seeds could pose a risk. It's best to avoid consuming apple seeds in significant amounts.


5) Cyanide is historically found in the following EXCEPT?

Cyanide is historically found in various sources, such as certain plants (like bitter almonds), some seeds, and industrial processes. However, it is not typically found in common food items like grains or dairy products. Therefore, the option that does not contain cyanide historically would likely be one of these.


What chemical does apple seeds produce?

Apple seeds contain a cyonogenic chemical that when it reaches your stomach, it reacts with the enzymes and releases hydrogen cyanide, which is very toxic. (This is the same for cherry pits, I think)

Related Questions

Cyanide is historically found in the following EXCEPT Gold and silver mining operations seeds of plants teflon or burning plastics.?

Cyanide is historically found in the following: Gold and silver mining operations Burning plastics Cyanide is not found in the seeds of plants or Teflon.


Is cyanide man-made or natural?

Cyanide can be found in nature in various plants and seeds, but it is also produced synthetically for industrial purposes. The most common forms of cyanide used in industry are made through chemical processes.


How can one safely remove cyanide from apple seeds?

To safely remove cyanide from apple seeds, you can soak the seeds in water for a few hours to leach out the cyanide. Then, thoroughly rinse the seeds before consuming them. It's important to note that apple seeds should be consumed in moderation due to their cyanide content.


Can the cyanide in apple seeds be boiled out?

No, boiling apple seeds will not remove cyanide as it is not a substance that can be cooked or boiled out. Cyanide is a natural component of apple seeds and is not affected by heat. It is recommended to avoid consuming apple seeds in large quantities.


Which seeds have cyanide on them?

Seeds that contain cyanide include apple seeds, apricot pits, cherry pits, and peach pits. These seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide in the body when ingested. It's important to avoid consuming these seeds in large quantities to prevent cyanide poisoning.


Do Beets contain cyanide?

Beets do not contain cyanide. However, they do contain compounds known as nitrates, which can convert into nitrites in the body, but this is not the same as cyanide. While some plants, such as cassava and certain fruit seeds, produce cyanide compounds, beets are safe to eat and are widely consumed for their nutritional benefits.


Is cyanide found in teflon seeds of plants burning plastics or gold and silver mining operations?

Cyanide can be found in gold and silver mining operations as it is commonly used to extract these metals from ores. However, cyanide is not naturally present in Teflon or in burning plastics.


How much cyanide is in apple seeds and LD50 of cyanide to horses?

Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized. The amount of cyanide in apple seeds is relatively low, with about 0.6 to 2.0 mg of cyanide per seed. The LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the population) of cyanide varies, but for horses, it is estimated to be around 2 mg/kg. Therefore, ingesting a significant quantity of apple seeds could potentially be harmful to horses, depending on their weight.


Do watermelon seeds contain cyanide?

Watermelon seeds do contain a compound called amygdalin, which can produce cyanide when metabolized by the body. However, the amount of cyanide produced from eating watermelon seeds is very small and not harmful to humans in normal quantities.


Can cyanide still kill if in water?

it depends on the ratio of concentration of water to cyanide. it needs to be concentrated to be lethal. for example apple seeds contain cyanide but even if you chew all the seeds in an apple you won't get anything because the concentration of cyanide is low.


Do apples contain cyanide?

Yes there is cyanide in apple seeds but it would take many to kill you.


Can dry apple seeds when crushed make cyanide?

Yes, crushed apple seeds can release cyanide compounds, specifically amygdalin, which can convert to cyanide when metabolized. However, the amount of cyanide produced is very small and typically considered safe in the quantities found in apple seeds. Consuming a few seeds accidentally is unlikely to cause harm, but ingesting a large number of seeds could pose a risk. It's best to avoid consuming apple seeds in significant amounts.