a) What is fruit? (b) Define parthenocarpic fruit. (c) Describe various zones of fruit by taking any fleshy fruit.

Solution:

(a)Fruit: A mature, ripened ovary developed after fertilization, containing seeds.

(b)Parthenocarpic fruit: A fruit that develops without fertilization, hence seedless.

Examples: Banana, seedless grapes, pineapple (induced parthenocarpy)

(c)Zones of a Fleshy Fruit (Mango—a Drupe):

The pericarp (fruit wall) differentiates into three layers:

Layer	Description
Epicarp	Thin, outer skin (protective)
Mesocarp	Thick, fleshy, edible middle layer
Endocarp	Hard, stony inner layer surrounding seed