Why do apples produce ethylene?
Recently, scientific content has occupied a place among the hot topics on the Internet, especially the discussion on the natural ripening mechanism of fruits. As a common fruit in daily life, apples have attracted widespread attention for their ethylene-producing properties. This article will focus on the analysis of the causes, functions and impacts of ethylene produced by apples, and present it in a structured form based on the hot data of the past 10 days.
1. The production mechanism of ethylene
Ethylene (C₂H₄) is a plant hormone that is naturally released by apples during their ripening process. Its production mechanism is mainly related to the following factors:
| key factors | illustrate |
|---|---|
| fruit ripening stage | After apples enter the maturity stage, cell metabolism accelerates and ethylene synthase activity increases. |
| environmental pressure | Mechanical damage or low temperatures stimulate ethylene synthesis. |
| genetic regulation | Different apple varieties have significant differences in ethylene production (for example, Fuji apples have higher yields than Gala apples). |
2. The role and influence of ethylene
Ethylene is not only a signal molecule for apple ripeness, but also affects other fruits and plants. The following are the hot topics of discussion on the role of ethylene on social media in the past 10 days:
| hot topics | Discussion popularity (index) |
|---|---|
| "How one bad apple can ripen an entire box of fruit" | 85,200 |
| "Taboo combinations for home storage of fruits" | 62,400 |
| "Ethylene control technology in e-commerce fruit transportation" | 38,700 |
3. Scientific explanation and daily application
From a biochemical perspective, the process by which apples produce ethylene is as follows:
1.Precursor conversion: Methionine (Met) generates 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) under the action of ACC synthase.
2.critical response: ACC oxidase converts ACC into ethylene while releasing CO₂ and cyanide.
3.positive feedback loop: Ethylene will further activate related synthases to form autocatalysis.
This principle is widely used in agriculture and life:
| Application scenarios | Specific measures |
|---|---|
| commercial ripening | Inject ethylene gas into a confined space (concentration 0.1-1.0ppm) |
| home preservation | Wrap apples in plastic wrap to reduce ethylene diffusion |
| organic cultivation | Reduce ethylene sensitivity through light regulation |
4. Latest research trends
According to recent reports in academic journals and technology media, new developments in apple ethylene research include:
•gene editing technology: Reduce the activity of ethylene synthase through CRISPR and extend the storage period of apples (latest paper in "Nature Plants")
•Smart packaging materials: Zeolite-containing ethylene-absorbable plastic wrap (exhibited at the 2023 International Food Technology Summit)
•climate impact research: Global warming causes apple ethylene production to increase by 10-15% (EU Agriculture Report)
5. Consumer precautions
Based on recent tips issued by the Consumer Association, it is recommended that:
| situation | suggestion |
|---|---|
| Buy a variety of fruits | Store apples, bananas and kiwis separately |
| Localized rot found | Remove bad fruit immediately and ventilate |
| refrigerator storage | Use breathable fruit and vegetable boxes instead of sealed bags |
By understanding the scientific principles of how apples produce ethylene, we can make more rational use of this natural phenomenon, enjoying delicious fruits while reducing food waste. As a popular science influencer recently said: "Understanding ethylene is to master the password for fruit ripening."
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