NewScientist The Last Word

If cyanide is so poisonous why don't we detest the of almonds? I know that cyanide has the same smell as almonds and that no foods in our diet contain leathal amounts of cyanide compounds. But creatures like the pink dragon centipede use HCN as a deterent. So the distaste for almonds must occur elsewhere in the animal kingdom.
(1 vote) average rating:4

Categories: Animals.

Reply	mmmm says: Are you sure that the almond smell means there must be toxic levels of amygdallin? Sweet almonds also smell like almonds (omg, this sounds silly) and they are not toxic like bitter almonds, right? (no votes) Tags: Food, Cyanide, almonds.
	posted on 2009-09-16 10:37:39 \| Report abuse

The last word is ...

the place where you ask questions about everyday science

Answer questions, vote for best answers, send your videos and audio questions, save favourite questions and answers, share with friends...

ADVERTISMENT