PubHawk
Nature October 2002 PMID 12384686

Plant biochemistry: an onion enzyme that makes the eyes water.

S Imai, N Tsuge, M Tomotake, Y Nagatome, H Sawada, T Nagata, H Kumagai

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Mentions

58
Peak: 7 in Nov 2021
across 5 sources since May 2021

Extended reach

267,546
potential audience

Total likes

912

Video views

12,438

Mentions per month

May 2021 – Mar 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News24 articles
  • Facebook11 posts
  • X / Twitter10 posts
  • Blogs10 articles
  • YouTube3 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions include questions like why garlic and scallions don't cause tears, showing curiosity about plant biochemistry, but lack detailed analysis or agreement, which reflects a moderate interest without deep engagement. The tone is inquisitive and casual, with some posts referencing related vegetables and questioning the biological differences, indicating a mild to moderate curiosity rather than high impact.

AgreementNeither agree nor disagree

The posts show mixed feelings, with some questions about the biological mechanism and others less definitive in their stance.

InterestModerate interest

There is moderate curiosity about the topic, especially regarding why other Allium vegetables don't cause tears, which sparks some engagement.

EngagementLow engagement

Most posts are brief questions or statements without deep discussion, indicating low to moderate engagement.

ImpactNeutral impact

The discussions do not seem to influence broader opinions or demonstrate significant consequences stemming from the publication.

Abstract in brief

  • The text discusses plant biochemistry, specifically focusing on an enzyme found in onions.
  • This enzyme causes the release of a sulfur compound when the onion is cut, which irritates the eyes.
  • The result is that chopping onions makes your eyes water due to the action of this enzyme.
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Avraham Z. Cooper, MD
@AvrahamCooperMD · X

12/ Two final questions. First: Garlic + scallions are closely related to onions, from the genus Allium. Why don't we cry w/ chopping them?

Nov 14, 2021 · 46 likes · 5 shares · 115,893 followers View post →
Avraham Z. Cooper, MD
@AvrahamCooperMD · X

8/

Nov 14, 2021 · 36 likes · 4 shares · 115,893 followers View post →
三島彩子
@botany_tan · X

163 それから2013年にはタマネギを切った際に涙が出てくる現象の原因になっている成分の研究に対してイグノーベル化学賞が与えられている ハウス食品の研究グループからでている英語論文は、短いし無料なので英語論文初心者におすすめ https://t.co/XjCoRKKXGL

Dec 12, 2021 · 10 likes · 4,719 followers View post →
Syed Shahrul Naz
@drshahrul80 · X

RT @AvrahamCooperMD: 12/ Two final questions. First: Garlic + scallions are closely related to onions, from the genus Allium. Why don't…

Nov 14, 2021 · 5 shares · 6,927 followers View post →
Syed Shahrul Naz
@drshahrul80 · X

RT @AvrahamCooperMD: 8/

Nov 14, 2021 · 4 shares · 6,927 followers View post →
Miles Berger
@RealMilesBerger · X

RT @AvrahamCooperMD: 8/

Nov 14, 2021 · 4 shares · 2,532 followers View post →

All mentions

Plant Biochemistry: Onion Enzyme Responsible for Tears

This video explores plant biochemistry, focusing on an enzyme present in onions that releases sulfur compounds causing eye irritation when cut. Discover the biochemical processes behind crying when chopping onions and…

Orbytal · May 5, 2021 1,067 views
Ghana Science Association
@ScienceGhana · X

Further reading: Imai et al., 2002 https://t.co/H2VyLPpqk3 Good morning

Jul 18, 2023 · 623 followers View post →
三島彩子
@botany_tan · X

163 それから2013年にはタマネギを切った際に涙が出てくる現象の原因になっている成分の研究に対してイグノーベル化学賞が与えられている ハウス食品の研究グループからでている英語論文は、短いし無料なので英語論文初心者におすすめ https://t.co/XjCoRKKXGL

Dec 12, 2021 · 10 likes · 4,719 followers View post →
Maricela Cruz Soto
@MaricelaCruzSo1 · X

RT @AvrahamCooperMD: 12/ Two final questions. First: Garlic + scallions are closely related to onions, from the genus Allium. Why don't…

Nov 17, 2021 · 5 shares · 454 followers View post →
Miles Berger
@RealMilesBerger · X

RT @AvrahamCooperMD: 8/

Nov 14, 2021 · 4 shares · 2,532 followers View post →
pH
@phil_tspice · X

RT @AvrahamCooperMD: 12/ Two final questions. First: Garlic + scallions are closely related to onions, from the genus Allium. Why don't…

Nov 14, 2021 · 5 shares · 626 followers View post →
Syed Shahrul Naz
@drshahrul80 · X

RT @AvrahamCooperMD: 12/ Two final questions. First: Garlic + scallions are closely related to onions, from the genus Allium. Why don't…

Nov 14, 2021 · 5 shares · 6,927 followers View post →
Syed Shahrul Naz
@drshahrul80 · X

RT @AvrahamCooperMD: 8/

Nov 14, 2021 · 4 shares · 6,927 followers View post →
Avraham Z. Cooper, MD
@AvrahamCooperMD · X

12/ Two final questions. First: Garlic + scallions are closely related to onions, from the genus Allium. Why don't we cry w/ chopping them?

Nov 14, 2021 · 46 likes · 5 shares · 115,893 followers View post →
Avraham Z. Cooper, MD
@AvrahamCooperMD · X

8/

Nov 14, 2021 · 36 likes · 4 shares · 115,893 followers View post →
Pablo Albacete
@PabloAlbaceteC · X

RT @ElOrbytal: NUEVO VÍDEO en Orbytal! Segunda entrega del análisis modo #Booktube de las novelas de @JuanGomezJurado , llenas de drama, s…

May 5, 2021 · 1 share · 449 followers View post →