Ethylene and Fruit Ripening

Abstract

The fruit ripening is the latest part of fruit development, leading to fruit that attracts seed dispersers (humans and other animals), because of color change, sweet taste, nice odors, among other traits. The ethylene is a simple two-carbon gas, that is produced by plants, among various organisms, and enhances fruit ripening. The ethylene biosynthesis and perception are described in this article. A special attention is given to particularities between climacteric and nonclimacteric fruit. Finally, a small paragraph is dedicated to crosstalk between ethylene and other plant hormones.