Question

What does ethylene do to fruit?

Answer 1

Ethylene:

1. Ethylene (C₂H₄) is a gaseous plant hormone that plays an important role in inducing the ripening process for many fruits, together with other hormones and signals.
2. A fresh fruit generally has low levels of ethylene.
3. As the fruit matures, ethylene is produced as a cellular signal to induce fruit ripening.

Effects of ethylene:

1. Fruit ripening
2. Induction of flowering
3. Loss of chlorophyll
4. Abortion of plant parts
5. Stem shortening
6. Abscission (dropping) of plant parts
7. Epinasty (stems bend)
8. Dormancy