Food preservation and postharvest losses — A/L Biology

How do I practise Food preservation and postharvest losses?

1 question with a worked solution

1. Which of the following fruits is classified as a climacteric fruit that exhibits a marked upsurge in cellular respiration accompanied by peak ethylene production during postharvest ripening?
   1. A) Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
   2. B) Banana (Musa acuminata)
   3. C) Orange (Citrus sinensis)
   4. D) Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
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   Correct answer: B) Banana (Musa acuminata)

   Climacteric fruits (e.g., banana, mango, papaya, tomato, avocado) continue ripening after harvest, characterized by an autocatalytic burst of ethylene synthesis and a sharp respiratory climacteric peak. Non-climacteric fruits (e.g., citrus, pineapple, grapes) do not exhibit this burst and do not ripen after harvest.

   Show worked solution

   Step 1: Classify fruit ripening physiology: - Climacteric (ripen off the plant, respiratory burst): Banana, Mango, Papaya, Apple, Tomato. - Non-climacteric (do not ripen after harvest, steady respiration): Orange, Lemon, Pineapple, Grape, Watermelon. Answer: Banana (Musa acuminata).
   Modelled on: the A/L Biology examination pattern

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Where does Food preservation and postharvest losses fit in the syllabus?

Year 2 · Term 3