Question

Fruit ripening and senescence share many of the same characters, such as changes in the cell wall. What are the similar and unique signals in both processes? How can you tell if a fruit/organ, tissue/cell is ripe vs. senescent? Expected length: 1-1 ½ pages

Answer 1

Abscisic acid, ethylene and jasmonic acid are the common factors for the fruit ripening and senescence.

Abscisic acid increase the production of ethylene which controls fruit ripening and senescence.

Ethylene is the plant hormone which is the main cause of the fruit ripening. It also takes part in senescence.

Jasmonic acid involves in fruit ripening and senescence. Studies show that the gene which are involved in fruit ripening, their expression is increased by the addition of methyl jasmonate.