Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): The growth of guava fruits follow a single sigmoid curve
Statement (II): The fruits undergo extensive cell division during the first few week immediately following fertilization
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
• C. Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
• D. Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.

Hint:

Fruit Growth Curves: Single sigmoid (one rapid growth phase), Double sigmoid (two rapid growth phases with a lag in between). Guava typically shows a double sigmoid curve.
Early Fruit Development: The first stage after fertilization is dominated by cell division, setting the stage for later cell expansion and fruit growth.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Statement (I): The growth of guava fruits follow a single sigmoid curve. Fruit growth patterns can be single sigmoid (a period of rapid growth followed by a slowing down as maturity is reached) or double sigmoid (two periods of rapid growth separated by a lag phase). Guava fruit growth is generally characterized as following a double sigmoid curve. The first phase involves rapid growth due to cell division and some cell enlargement. This is followed by a lag phase (slow growth), and then a second phase of rapid growth primarily due to cell enlargement, leading up to ripening. Therefore, Statement (I) is false. Statement (II): The fruits undergo extensive cell division during the first few week immediately following fertilization. This statement is true. The initial stage of fruit development in most fleshy fruits, including guava, is characterized by intensive cell division. This phase establishes the potential number of cells in the fruit, which significantly influences the final fruit size. This period of cell division is typically concentrated in the first few weeks after fertilization. Since Statement (I) is false and Statement (II) is true, the correct option is (4). Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.

Answer 2

Comparing growth curve families:
Fleshy fruits fall into two growth-curve families: a single sigmoid curve (one continuous growth phase, seen in fruits like banana or mango) and a double sigmoid curve (two growth phases separated by a lag, seen in stone fruits and guava).
Guava belongs to the double-sigmoid group - an initial cell-division phase, a lag, then a second cell-enlargement phase before ripening - so describing its growth as "single sigmoid" is incorrect, making Statement (I) false.
The initial phase in that curve, immediately after fertilisation, is dominated by rapid cell division, which is exactly what Statement (II) describes, so it is true.
Hence Statement (I) is false and Statement (II) is true.