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The natural fruit ripening process is a gradual process. The stages of ripness may differ from fruit to fruit on the same plant. A plant knows to start the ripening process when it detects the slightest bit of ethylene, a hormone that prompts fruit ripening. The plant detects the ethylene with an ethylene receptor, which is a protein sensor. A copper ion helps the plants sense very small concentrations of ethylene, and allows the ethylene to gain acess to the cells, initiating the ripening process. |
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