Question

What type of feedback process is exemplified by the production of ethylene during fruit ripening? Explain.

Short answer

The ethylene generation during fruit ripening exemplifies the positive feedback control mechanism since ethylene often promotes its synthesis.

Step-by-step solution

Ethylene

Plants produce ethylene which is a hormone naturally. This compound accelerates fruit ripening and leaf senescence. Ethylene is also created when fruits develop, cells die under controlled conditions, and high doses of auxin are administered externally.

Fruit ripening

Fruit ripening is the process through which they become more delicious. The fruit becomes sweeter, less green, and softer as it ripens. Because of the scent of ripe fruit, mature fruits attract animals that disseminate the seeds once they have matured.

Feedback response

Feedback response loops begin with a stimulus that alters a variable and conclude with an effector that changes the variable. Feedback systems can be sophisticated and function inside a complex system with many variables. There are positive and negative feedback mechanisms.

Ripening occurs due to an ethylene-induced chain reaction: ethylene causes ripening, and ripening causes further ethylene production. The result is an explosion in ethylene production. Ripening signals go from fruit to fruit since ethylene is a gas.