Question

Reply to the following scenario and explain what is happening in terms of osmosis. Use the terms hypertonic, isotonic and hypotonic in your explanations. Use diagrams or clear explanations to illustrate what is occurring and why it is occurring.

Marshmallow fluff is (almost entirely) made of what substance? After opening, you do not have to refrigerate it, yet it doesn’t spoil. Why not? Diagram or clearly explain what happens to would-be invaders.

Answer 1

Marshmallow fluff are made of sugar syrup, corn syrup, vanilla. So it has more sugar content. It doesn't get spoiled after opening it, without refrigerating it, due to hypertonic environment which reduces the water content necessary for microbes to live and grow. Sugar content of the food has the effect of pulling out water from the product into its exterior, thus inhibiting would-be invaders from growing.