Question

Fruit ripening hormone is

• A. Kinetin
• B. Gibberellin
• C. Ethylene
• D. Indole acetic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is C Ethylene

During the early 20th century, scientists observed that the gas ethylene (C${}_2$H${}_4$) has several effects on plant growth, but not until 1934 did they demonstrate that plants produce ethylene. This natural hormone influences many plant processes. Ethylene inhibits cell elongation, promotes seed germination, promotes apical dominance, and is involved in plant responses to wounding or invasion by disease causing microorganisms. Ethylene also has a major role in many aspects of senescence, including fruit ripening. As a fruit ripens, it produces ethylene, which triggers an acceleration of the ripening process. This induces the fruit to produce more ethylene, which further accelerates ripening.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.