Question

A banana has a ___ (the outer covering of a fruit)

Answer 1

A banana has an exocarp, which is the outer covering of the fruit. It is part of the pericarp that also includes the mesocarp and endocarp, with the exocarp being the outer skin that we usually refer to as the peel. This fruit is categorized as a simple fruit developed from a single ovary.

Step-by-step explanation:

A banana has an exocarp, which is the outermost covering of a fruit. In the context of a banana, it is also commonly referred to as the peel or skin. The structure of fruits typically includes three parts: the exocarp (the outer skin), the mesocarp (the fleshy middle part), and the endocarp (the innermost part, which in the case of bananas, is not typically eaten).

The banana belongs to the category of simple fruits, which develop from a single ovary of a single flower and can have a fleshy exocarp, as seen in bananas, grapes, and tomatoes, or a more papery or leathery exocarp, as seen in nuts. It should be noted that what we commonly refer to as a banana 'tree' is technically not a tree at all. Its upright structure is a 'pseudostem', composed of tightly packed leaf bases.

The primary role of the fruit is to protect the seeds during development and to aid in their dispersal, allowing for the continuation of the plant species.

Answer 2

A banana has an exocarp, which is the outermost layer of skin or covering of the fruit. It is part of the pericarp that protects the seeds inside and assists in seed dispersal. Bananas are classified as simple fleshy fruits, specifically as berries.

Step-by-step explanation:

A banana has an exocarp, which is the outer covering of a fruit. The exocarp is part of the pericarp that envelops the seed(s) of a fruit. In simple terms, it can be likened to the skin of the fruit. For bananas, the exocarp is the familiar yellow peel we remove before eating the fruit. The primary function of the exocarp, along with the complete pericarp structure, which also includes the mesocarp, and the endocarp, is to protect the seeds inside as well as assist in seed dispersal.

Botanically speaking, fruits are classified based on the type of flower they come from and the arrangement of their seeds. For example, a simple fruit like a banana develops from a single ovary of one flower. Simple fruits can be either fleshy, like bananas and tomatoes, or dry, like nuts. Bananas in particular are a type of berry, which is a subcategory of simple fleshy fruits. This classification is essential as it helps in understanding how these fruits develop and disperse.

Understanding the anatomy and biology of fruits like bananas is crucial for fields like agriculture, where knowledge of fruit ripening and harvesting methods can impact crop yields. For instance, green bananas can be ripened using a brown bag to trap ethylene, a hormone released by the fruit. By understanding the conditions necessary for fruit ripening, we can better manage post-harvest treatment of fruits to maintain their quality and prolong shelf life.