Question

Among the following which helps in early ripening of fruits?

Options

• Methane

• Ethylene

• CO₂

• CO

Answer 1

Ethylene

Explanation:

Ethylene is a natural, gaseous plant hormone that regulates the ageing and ripening processes in climacteric fruits like bananas, mangos, and tomatoes. It works by triggering biochemical pathways that rapidly break down complex starches into sweet sugars, dissolve cell wall pectin to soften the fruit, and decompose green chlorophyll to expose vibrant skin pigments. Because it is a gas, it easily diffuses through the air to accelerate and synchronise ripening in neighbouring fruits as well.