Where does the antioxidant activity, particularly the lipophilic kind, tend to show a dramatic increase within the structure of lettuce leaves?
Answer
From the stem toward the outermost leaves
Research investigating the distribution of protective compounds within the lettuce leaf structure has identified a gradient of antioxidant concentration. Specifically, the antioxidant activity, especially the lipophilic (fat-soluble) variety, tends to increase significantly as one moves outward from the central stem towards the outermost layers of the leaves. This pattern suggests that the external leaves, which are more directly exposed to environmental stressors like light and oxidation, have evolved a higher concentration of protective chemical agents to defend themselves.
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