Question

What is the descending order of rate of respiration in following vegetables?
(A). Bean
(B). Onion
(C). Asparagus
(D). Beet
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B), (C), (D).
• B. (A), (C), (B), (D).
• C. (B), (A), (D), (C).
• D. (C), (A), (D), (B).

Hint:

A simple rule for perishability: Flowers (e.g., broccoli) and Shoots (e.g., asparagus) are most perishable (highest respiration), followed by Fruits (e.g., beans, tomatoes), then Roots (e.g., carrots, beets), and finally Bulbs/Tubers (e.g., onions, potatoes) which are least perishable (lowest respiration).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to arrange a list of vegetables in descending order of their post-harvest respiration rate. The rate of respiration is a direct indicator of the metabolic activity and perishability of the produce.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The respiration rate varies based on the type of plant tissue. Actively growing tissues respire faster than storage organs or dormant tissues.
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(C) Asparagus: The edible part is a rapidly growing spear (shoot). It has an extremely high respiration rate and is one of the most perishable vegetables. } \\ \bullet & \text{(A) Bean: Green beans are developing pods containing seeds. They are metabolically active and have a high rate of respiration, though typically lower than asparagus. } \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Beet: This is a storage root. Its metabolic rate is significantly lower than that of shoots or developing fruits/pods. It has a low to moderate respiration rate. } \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Onion: A dry bulb onion is a dormant storage organ. It is specifically adapted for long-term survival and has a very low respiration rate, making it very shelf-stable. } \\ \end{array}\] Therefore, the descending order of respiration rate is: Asparagus $>$ Bean $>$ Beet $>$ Onion. This corresponds to the sequence (C), (A), (D), (B).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct descending order of respiration rate is Asparagus, Bean, Beet, Onion.