Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Mucus of postmortem fish contains albumins, lipoids and phosphatides
Reason (R) : Mucus of postmortem fish is not suitable for growth of microorganisms

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Removing the external mucus layer by scaling and washing is an important hygiene step during post-harvest processing to extend shelf life.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Fish skin mucus acts as a primary protective barrier during the life of the fish, but its function changes after death.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Assertion (A) is true: The external slime layer of post-mortem fish contains organic molecules such as mucopolysaccharides, albumins, lipoids, and phosphatides.
Reason (R) is false: Because it contains these rich organic nutrients and has a high water activity, post-mortem mucus serves as an excellent substrate for bacterial colonization and rapid proliferation.
This is why microbial spoilage typically begins on the surface of the fish.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Since (A) is true but (R) is false, the correct option is (C).