What is the full form of MSG, a chief flavor enhancer used in the food industry?

Question

What is the full form of MSG, a chief flavor enhancer used in the food industry?

1. A. Monosodium glycinate
2. B. Monosodium glutamate (Correct answer)
3. C. Monosodium glutamine
4. D. Monosulphur glycerol

Correct Answer

Option B — Monosodium glutamate

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Monosodium glutamate.

Key Points

• MSG stands for Monosodium Glutamate -- the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally found in tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and other foods.
• MSG is widely used as a flavour enhancer in the food industry, as it intensifies the "umami" (savoury) taste.
• It was first isolated in 1908 by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda.
• Monosodium glycinate, monosodium glutamine, and monosulphur glycerol are not the correct full forms of MSG.