Question

Give reason – ABA is also known as antitranspirant.
Explain the role of chlorophyllase enzyme in banana.

Hint:

ABA regulates water loss; chlorophyllase drives color change in ripening fruits.

Answer 1

i. Reason: Abscisic acid (ABA) is called an antitranspirant because it induces stomatal closure, reducing water loss through transpiration, especially under water stress conditions.
ii. Role of Chlorophyllase: Chlorophyllase in bananas catalyzes the breakdown of chlorophyll into chlorophyllide and phytol during ripening, leading to the yellowing of the fruit as chloroplasts convert to chromoplasts.
Answer: i. ABA reduces transpiration; ii. Chlorophyllase degrades chlorophyll during banana ripening.