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Biology/How do fruits ripen?

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Expert: - 1/11/2010


Question
How is the sweetness comes in ripened fruit? ex. Mango, when it is unripened its not sweet, then from where sucrose or fructose comes in it?

Answer
Dear Sagar,

As a seed ripens inside a fruit, it sends a hormonal message (a gas called ethylene) to the plant triggers an enzymatic cascade.  Various enzymatic processes will cause the fruit to accumulate fructose, to skin to change color, the tissues to soften and change color and liquid content, etc.  You can read about this in more detail here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripening

Hope that helps!

Dana

Biology

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Volunteer

Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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