Question

The figure given below shows the stages of ripening in a banana. Answer the questions that follow:

1. Name the plant hormone responsible for the above changes.
2. Mention two characteristic features of this hormone.

Answer 1

1. Ethylene is the hormone responsible for the above changes. At ordinary temperatures, ethylene is a gas; it helps in the ripening of bananas when stored together.
2. Characteristic features of ethylene:
   • It is synthesised in senescent leaves and flowers, germinating seeds and ripening fruits.
   • It promotes root growth and root hair formation and it also induces and promotes fruit ripening.