Why Do Onions Make You Cry?

Onions, like other plants, are made of cells. The cells are divided into two sections (23) ___________ by a membrane. One side of the membrane contains an enzyme which helps chemical processes (24) ___________ in your body. The other side of the membrane contains molecules that contain sulfur. When you cut an onion, the (25) ___________ on each side of the membrane mix and cause a chemical (26) ___________. This chemical process (27) ___________ molecules such as ethylsufine which make your eyes water.

To (28) ___________ crying when you cut an onion, cut it under a running tap of cold water. The sulfur compounds (29) ___________ in water and are rinsed down the sink before they (30) ___________ your eyes. You can also put the onion in the freezer for ten minutes before you cut it. Cold temperatures slow down the reaction (31) ___________ the enzymes and the sulfur compounds, so fewer of the (32) ___________ molecules will affect your eyes.