Question

Apples are generally wrapped in waxed paper to

• A. Prevent sunlight from changing its colour
• B. Prevent aerobic respiration by checking the entry of oxygen
• C. Prevent ethylene formation that hastens ripening
• D. Make the apples look costly

Answer 1

The correct option is B Prevent aerobic respiration by checking the entry of oxygen

Ethylene is a plant hormone. It is also called as ripening hormone as it is responsible for ripening of fruits. Fruit ripening is accompanied by increase rate of respiration. Due to increased respiration, complex carbohydrates are broken down into simpler sugars and cell wall becomes soft. Hence, apples are generally wrapped in waxed paper to slow down the ripening process. Wrapped apples have low respiration rate and prevent ethylene formation.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.