Question

Edible part of banana

• A. epicarp
• B. mesocarp and less developed endocarp
• C. endocarp and less developed mesocarp
• D. epicarp and mesocarp.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question is about identifying the edible part of a banana. Let's explore the structure of a banana fruit to understand which parts are edible.

A banana fruit can be broken down into three main parts:

1. Epicarp: This is the outermost layer, commonly referred to as the skin or peel of the banana. The epicarp is typically thick, leathery, and not consumed.
2. Mesocarp: This middle layer is the fleshy part of most fruits. In bananas, it is less developed compared to other fruits. It contributes to the soft texture of the banana but is not the main edible portion.
3. Endocarp: This is the innermost layer that surrounds the seeds. In bananas, it is well developed and makes up the majority of the edible part of the fruit.

The edible part of a banana primarily consists of the endocarp, accompanied by a less developed mesocarp.

Now, let's analyze the given options:

• Option 1: Epicarp – This is the outer peel, which is not consumed.
• Option 2: Mesocarp and less developed endocarp – This description does not match the anatomical reality of the banana, where the endocarp is more developed.
• Option 3: Endocarp and less developed mesocarp – This corresponds with the anatomical structure and is the correct answer.
• Option 4: Epicarp and mesocarp – The epicarp is not edible, and the mesocarp is not the primary edible part of the banana.

Conclusion: The correct answer is that the edible part of a banana is the "endocarp and less developed mesocarp," which matches Option 3. This is because the endocarp forms the fleshy part that we consume, with the mesocarp being underdeveloped but still contributing to the fruit's texture.