[Campbell Biology P.919] The common saying "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch" refers to ... | Practice Question
The common saying "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch" refers to the rapid spoilage of an entire batch of fruit if one rotten apple is present. Which plant hormone is primarily responsible for this phenomenon?
Explanation
Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone known for its role in fruit ripening and senescence. A rotten apple releases ethylene, which then signals nearby healthy apples to ripen more quickly, leading to the rapid spoilage of the entire batch. This phenomenon is often referred to as the 'one bad apple spoils the whole bunch' effect.