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A biodegradable detergent differs from a non-biodegradable one mainly in the shape of its hydrocarbon chain. Which chain belongs to the biodegradable type?
AA chain ending in a sulphate that bacteria avoid
BA highly branched chain that bacteria cannot break down
CA ring chain that resists bacteria
DA straight chain that bacteria can break down
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. A straight chain that bacteria can break down
1. Biodegradability of detergents depends on whether bacteria can attack the hydrocarbon chain.
2. Highly branched chains resist bacterial breakdown, so they are non-biodegradable; this rules out option B.
3. Ring chains and sulphate-ending claims are not the stated basis, so rule them out.
4. Straight (linear) chains are easily degraded by bacteria, so the biodegradable detergent has a straight chain.
_Source: Samacheer Kalvi (TN SCERT) Class 10 Science, Unit 11 "Carbon and its Compounds", p.175_
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