# Ethene is a plant hormone. Explain how a fruit producer could use ethene to increase profits when transporting fruit over long distances.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 6.3 Plant hormones · Explain · 4 marks

> A fruit producer grows bananas in a tropical country and ships them to supermarkets in the United Kingdom. The journey takes several weeks.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fruit is harvested/transported whilst unripe (green/hard)
2. Unripe fruit is less likely to be damaged / has a longer shelf life during transport
3. Ethene is applied/used to stimulate ripening (after transport / on arrival)
4. This means fruit arrives in good condition / can be sold ripe, reducing waste and increasing profit

## Key terms

- [ethene](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ethene)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethene-is-a-plant-hormone-explain-e0d95ae3) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.