Read the given statements and select the correct option.Statement 1: E...
Ethylene is a gaseous hormone. It aids in ripening of climacteric fruits and dehiscence of dry fruits. Climacteric fruits are the fleshy fruits which show a sudden sharp rise of respiration rate at the time of ripening (respiratory climacteric). They are usually transported is green or unripe stage. Ethylene is used to induce artificial ripening of these fruits e.g., Apple Mango, Banana, etc.
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Read the given statements and select the correct option.Statement 1: E...
Statement 1: Ethylene is a gaseous hormone.
Ethylene is indeed a gaseous hormone in plants. It is a simple hydrocarbon gas that is produced naturally by plants. It acts as a signaling molecule and regulates various physiological processes in plants, including fruit ripening, senescence, abscission (shedding of leaves and flowers), and responses to environmental stresses such as drought and flooding.
Statement 2: Ethylene causes climacteric ripening of fruits.
This statement is also correct. Ethylene plays a crucial role in the climacteric ripening of fruits. Climacteric fruits are those that undergo a rapid and profound increase in respiration rate and ethylene production during ripening. This process is characterized by changes in color, texture, aroma, and flavor of the fruit.
Explanation:
- Ethylene acts as a ripening hormone in fruits. It stimulates the production of enzymes that break down complex molecules, such as starches and acids, into simpler sugars, resulting in the softening and sweetening of the fruit.
- Ethylene also promotes the synthesis of pigments responsible for the color changes observed during fruit ripening. For example, in bananas, the production of ethylene triggers the conversion of chlorophyll to carotenoids, leading to the characteristic yellow color of ripe bananas.
- Additionally, ethylene influences the production of volatile compounds that contribute to the aroma and flavor of fruits. It enhances the synthesis of compounds such as esters and alcohols, which give fruits their distinctive smells and tastes.
- The climacteric phase of fruit ripening is associated with a dramatic increase in ethylene production. This peak in ethylene synthesis is often triggered by the presence of an autocatalytic loop, where ethylene stimulates its own production. Once the climacteric phase is initiated, the fruit undergoes rapid ripening and becomes highly susceptible to decay.
Conclusion:
Both statements 1 and 2 are correct, but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1. Although ethylene is indeed a gaseous hormone and it does cause climacteric ripening of fruits, statement 2 does not provide an explanation for statement 1. The two statements are independent and can be considered as separate facts about ethylene and fruit ripening.
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