Question

The food stored in the ripening fruit is derived from
a. Roots
b. Farthest leaves
c. Nearest leaves
d. Aerial stem

Answer 1

Hint: The leaves are the part of the plant which produces food. This food is then sent to different parts of the plant. When the fruits start ripening it needs nutrients and the supply of food from leaves should be continuous.

Complete answer:
> Option A:
Roots are one of the main organs of the plants which store food produced during the process of photosynthesis. They also absorb water and minerals. Some of the roots get modified and they swell to store excess starch like in carrot or sweet potatoes. Roots help in the transportation of minerals and water. So, the ripened fruits get water and minerals from roots.

> Option B:
When the fruit starts to ripen the farthest leaves become less important as suppliers of food to the fruit. They in turn are contenders now, and if the leaves near the fruits are removed then they become suppliers again. During growth and development, the plant follows an orderly and patterned manner, creating separate files of leaves.

> Option C:
As the fruit grows the nearest leaves are expected to supply the food to the fruits. As leaves produce starch with the process of photosynthesis, it is observed that adjacent extension of shoot provides more starch to fruits.

> Option D:
Aerial stems are those which can stand upright and provide support to the plants. Some of the modified aerial stems like tendrils perform the function of photosynthesis and they synthesize food.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Sugars are produced by the leaves in the plants, but they are stored by the fruits or roots. Ethylene stimulates the ripening of fruits. Ripening is the process in which the fruits become palatable. Ripening also adds sweetness to the taste of the fruit.