Question

Match List I with List II
List I (Fruit)
A. Litchi
B. Mango
C. Banana
D. Grape
List II (Edible Part)
I. Aril
II. Mesocarp and endocarp
III. Mesocarp
IV. Pericarp and placenta
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A - I, B - III, C - II, D - IV
• B. A - I , B - III, C - II, D - V
• C. A - I, B - II, C - III, D - IV
• D. A - I, B - IV, C - III, D - II

Hint:

Litchi = Aril.
Mango = Mesocarp.
Banana = Mesocarp + Endocarp.
Grape/Tomato = Pericarp + Placenta.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The "edible part" of a fruit refers to the specific botanical tissue that humans consume. Fruits develop from the ovary, and their walls (pericarp) differentiate into layers: exocarp (skin), mesocarp (middle), and endocarp (inner). In some fruits, other tissues like the aril or placenta become edible.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A. Litchi: The edible portion of litchi is the fleshy aril. Botanically, an aril is a specialized outgrowth from the funiculus (seed stalk) that covers the seed. It is the only edible part; the fruit wall (pericarp) is the tough outer shell. (Match with I).
B. Mango: Mango is a drupe. We consume the fleshy mesocarp. The skin is the exocarp, and the hard stone enclosing the seed is the endocarp. (Match with III).
C. Banana: In the cultivated seedless banana, the edible portion is the mesocarp and the inner endocarp. The "peel" is primarily the exocarp and outer mesocarp. (Match with II).
D. Grape: Grapes are berries. In a berry, the entire fruit wall (pericarp) is fleshy. We eat the pericarp along with the placenta (the tissue to which seeds are attached). (Match with IV).
This anatomical knowledge is fundamental in pomology and food processing.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matches are A-I, B-III, C-II, and D-IV.