AIIMS 2000 Botany Food Spoilage Mechanisms Assertion Reason Question

The assertion states that fruit juices taste bitter after being kept for some time. This is true as the degradation of organic compounds in the juice can lead to the formation of bitter-tasting compounds. The reason provided states that microorganisms in the air spoil the juice quickly, which is also accurate since microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi can lead to fermentation and spoilage, resulting in off-flavors. Therefore, both the assertion and reason are correct, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Hence, the correct answer is C.

Option A (both incorrect) is wrong because both statements are true. Option B (assertion true, reason false) is incorrect because the reason is indeed true. Option D (assertion false, reason true) is incorrect since the assertion is true as well.