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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #37422 Solanine
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
When  potatoes  are  stored  in  a  warm  bright  place,  the  tubers  detect  that  they  might  be  in  a  suitable  growing  location  and  prepare  to  sprout.  Chlorophyll  production  increases,  which  slowly  tints  the  peel,  and  eventually  some  of  the  flesh,  green.  While  chlorophyll  is  a  harmless  chemical,  its    in  potatoes  indicates  that  the  tubers  have  also  increased  their  production  of  a  glycoalkaloid  known  as  solanine.  Solanine  protects  potatoes  and  other  plants  in  the  family  Solanaceae  from  herbivory  and  serves  to    the  sprouting  spud  from  hungry  animal  mouths.  Solanine  is  considered  a  neurotoxin,  and    by  humans  can  cause  nausea  and  headaches  and  can  lead  to  serious  neurological  problems  and  even  death  if  enough  is  consumed.  A  recent  study  suggested  that  a  16-oz  (450-gram)  fully  green  potato  is  enough  to  make  a  small  adult  ill.  Cooking  does  not  destroy  the  solanine  toxin,  so  the  green  parts  of  potatoes  should  be    entirely.  Green  potatoes  should  especially  not  be  served  to  children,  whose  smaller  bodies  make  them  more  susceptible  to  poisoning.

Result:

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Correct answer: presence

Explanation: The word 'presence' fits grammatically as it is a noun that indicates the state of being present, which aligns with the context of chlorophyll being detected in potatoes. It logically connects to the idea that the existence of chlorophyll signifies increased production of solanine.

Meaning: 'Presence' refers to the state of being present or existing in a particular place or situation.

Wrong options:

  • omnipresence: Omnipresence means being present everywhere at the same time, which does not fit the specific context of chlorophyll in potatoes.
  • absence: Absence indicates a lack of something, which contradicts the idea that chlorophyll is present in the potatoes.
  • essence: Essence refers to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, which does not apply to the context of chlorophyll's existence.
Correct answer: preserve

Explanation: The word 'preserve' is a verb that means to maintain or protect something from harm or decay. It fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the action of protecting the sprouting potato from being eaten by animals.

Meaning: 'Preserve' means to keep something safe from harm or to maintain its condition.

Wrong options:

  • deserve: Deserve means to be worthy of something, which does not fit the context of protecting the potato.
  • conserve: Conserve means to protect something from loss or harm, but it is not the most appropriate verb in this context as it does not convey the active protection implied here.
  • reserve: Reserve means to keep something for future use, which does not align with the idea of protecting the potato from animals.
Correct answer: ingestion

Explanation: The word 'ingestion' is a noun that refers to the act of consuming something, particularly food or drink. It fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the action that can lead to negative health effects from solanine.

Meaning: 'Ingestion' means the process of taking food or drink into the body.

Wrong options:

  • suggestion: Suggestion refers to an idea or proposal, which does not fit the context of consuming solanine.
  • congestion: Congestion refers to an excessive accumulation of something, typically in a bodily context, which is unrelated to the act of consuming solanine.
  • predilection: Predilection means a preference or liking for something, which does not relate to the act of consuming.
Correct answer: removed

Explanation: The word 'removed' is the past participle of the verb 'remove,' meaning to take something away. It fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates the action that should be taken regarding green parts of potatoes to ensure safety.

Meaning: 'Removed' means taken away or eliminated from a particular place or situation.

Wrong options:

  • regrouped: Regrouped means to organize again, which does not apply to the context of eliminating harmful parts of potatoes.
  • retired: Retired means to stop working or to withdraw from use, which does not convey the action needed for green potatoes.
  • reformed: Reformed means to change for the better, which does not fit the context of eliminating harmful parts.

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