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Question #46265
The Question
During the ripening of climacteric fruits, the middle lamella undergoes extensive degradation. A researcher applies a synthetic structural analogue of calcium pectate to a mature green tomato. Which of the following best describes the systemic fallout on the fruit's physiology and the specific mechanism involved?
Options
- A.
The fruit softens prematurely due to allosteric activation of pectinase, mimicking the respiratory climacteric induced by ethylene.
- B.
The fruit fails to soften due to competitive inhibition of pectinase, functionally antagonizing the cell wall-modifying effects of ethylene.
- C.
The fruit undergoes rapid abscission due to competitive inhibition of cellulase, blocking the senescence-promoting effects of abscisic acid.
- D.
The fruit exhibits delayed ripening due to non-competitive inhibition of polygalacturonase, suppressing the synthesis of gaseous plant growth regulators.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Fruit Structure DNA|Competitive Enzyme Inhibition Kinetics|Glandular Secretion Mechanism
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that 'Ethylene causes fruit ripening' but fail to connect the structural mechanism of ripening (pectin degradation in the middle lamella) with the biochemical concept of competitive inhibition.
The trap lies in distinguishing the exact composition of the middle lamella (calcium pectate) and recognizing that a structural analogue strictly implies competitive inhibition, thereby blocking the downstream enzymatic execution of ethylene's hormonal signal.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Morphology of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Fruit Structure DNA |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |