Apples decompose much faster if they are cut open than if they are left whole.
To see why this is so, consider the mechanism by which an intact apple
matures. The apple breathes, as it were, through its peel. It takes in
oxygen and converts it to carbon dioxide, which is in return released
through the peel. The conversion of oxygen to carbon dioxide causes
the cells of the apple to decompose. This is oxidation, the same
process whereby cars rust and eventually fall apart. Similarly, during
the oxidation of an apple, its starch decomposes into sugar, which
decomposes further into organic materials.
Since the oxidation of an intact apple is mediated by its peel, the
pores of which admit only a very few oxygen molecules at a time, the
apple decomposes very slowly. Under the right conditions, an intact
apple can be kept in storage for as long as a year.
"Apples take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide as starches in the
flesh change to sugar. [answers.google.com
To see why this is so, consider the mechanism by which an intact apple
matures. The apple breathes, as it were, through its peel. It takes in
oxygen and converts it to carbon dioxide, which is in return released
through the peel. The conversion of oxygen to carbon dioxide causes
the cells of the apple to decompose. This is oxidation, the same
process whereby cars rust and eventually fall apart. Similarly, during
the oxidation of an apple, its starch decomposes into sugar, which
decomposes further into organic materials.
Since the oxidation of an intact apple is mediated by its peel, the
pores of which admit only a very few oxygen molecules at a time, the
apple decomposes very slowly. Under the right conditions, an intact
apple can be kept in storage for as long as a year.
"Apples take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide as starches in the
flesh change to sugar. [answers.google.com
