Question

Firmness of fruit during storage

• A. Increases
• B. Reduces
• C. No change in firmness
• D. Increases and reduces both

Hint:

Think about a practical example. A hard, unripe banana becomes soft as it ripens on your counter. This softening is a universal sign of ripening in many fruits and is due to the breakdown of pectin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Core Idea:
The question concerns how fruit texture (firmness) alters during storage.

Step 2: Elaboration:
Fruits ripen and age during storage. Softening is a key part of ripening. This softening stems from enzymes breaking down cell wall components. Pectin, which holds plant cells together, is broken down by enzymes like polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME). This breakdown weakens cell walls and cell bonds, leading to softer fruit. Thus, most fruits become less firm as storage continues.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Fruit firmness decreases during storage.