Question

Ripe fruits soften due to

• A. Degeneration of cell walls
• B. Partial solubilisation of pectic compounds
• C. Metabolism of tannins
• D. Exosmosis.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Partial solubilisation of pectic compounds

• Pectin is a naturally occurring heteropolysaccharide present in the primary cell walls of plants.
  
• It is a natural fibre found in the cell walls of plants and is mainly found in the fruit skin.
• It is a major component of fruit cell walls that are extensively modified during fruit ripening.
• This structural component undergoes partial solubilization, depolymerization and the loss of neutral side chains that causes ripening of the fruits.
  
• So, the correct answer is 'Partial solubilisation of pectic compounds'.