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Answer: Tomatoes primarily contain citric acid and malic acid, but oxalic acid is also present in small amounts. Among the given options, oxalic acid is the correct one. Thus, the correct option is D.
Complete Answer:
Tomatoes contain many types of acids, but the main ones are citric acid, malic acid, and oxalic acid. Among these, oxalic acid is one of the important acids present in tomatoes.
Oxalic acid is an organic compound with the chemical name ethanedioic acid. It is a white solid and easily dissolves in water. It was first discovered in a plant called Oxalis, so it got the name ‘oxalic acid.’
Even though oxalic acid is found naturally in many foods like tomatoes, spinach, and rhubarb, it can be harmful if eaten in large amounts. It can cause health problems like kidney stones because it forms crystals with calcium in the body.
Tomatoes mainly have citric acid and malic acid, which give them their sour taste. They also have ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) that helps boost immunity. But oxalic acid is one of the acids present, too.
So the correct option is (d) Oxalic acid.
Note: Too much oxalic acid in the body can be dangerous. It can form solid crystals with calcium that may lead to kidney stones or joint pain. That’s why it’s good to eat tomatoes in normal amounts.
Conclusion: Oxalic acid harm is caused by the precipitation of solid calcium oxalate, the major component of calcium kidney stones, resulting in renal failure. Oxalic acid, by producing similar precipitates in the joints, can also cause joint soreness. When ethylene glycol is eaten, it creates oxalic acid, which is a metabolite that can cause acute renal failure. In both humans and rats, calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) lowers urine oxalate.
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