Refrigeration helps in food preservation by

Correct answer: (b) reducing the rate of a biochemical reaction

Explanation

Refrigeration preserves food by lowering temperature, which slows the rate of biochemical reactions and microbial growth that cause spoilage.

Cooling does not kill bacteria or destroy enzymes; it only suspends their activity, so food spoils again once it warms up.

The low temperature reduces the speed of enzymatic and metabolic processes, extending shelf life.