Britannica Sources used in this answer

How can metabolomics help scientists monitor changes in food quality during transport?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Diagram illustrating metabolism with two sections: anabolic reaction on the left shows energy used to build larger molecules from smaller ones, while catabolic reaction on the right shows larger molecules breaking down into smaller molecules with energy released. — Metabolomics In anabolic reactions, a cell uses energy to combine small molecules into larger molecules. In catabolic reactions, molecules are broken down, and energy is released.

Metabolomics allows scientists to monitor changes in the nutritional value and aesthetics of food during transport by analyzing the metabolites—the chemical substances produced through metabolism—present in the food.1

Because the living tissues of plants and animals continue to undergo biochemical processes after harvest or slaughter, their internal chemical balance is often disrupted. For example, enzymes remaining in plant tissues can catalyze ripening or spoilage reactions, such as oxidative respiration, which can decrease shelf life and lead to rotting. By using metabolomic methods like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS), researchers can identify and track these molecular changes.231

This analysis provides a detailed portrait of the food's condition, enabling scientists to evaluate how environmental factors during transport affect quality. Such insights are essential for maintaining food safety and quality, as they allow for the detection of spoilage or degradation before it becomes apparent through traditional observation.145