Ripening of fruits is a ________change.

The ripening of fruits is a chemical change due to the irreversible transformations that occur within the fruit's composition. These changes include:

• Color Transformation: The degradation of chlorophyll leads to the emergence of new pigments, altering the fruit's color. For instance, bananas transition from green to yellow as they ripen.
• Textural Changes: Enzymatic activities break down complex polysaccharides like pectin into simpler, soluble forms, resulting in a softer texture. This process is evident in fruits such as peaches and avocados.
• Sugar Accumulation: Conversion of starches into sugars enhances the fruit's sweetness, as seen in ripening mangoes and apples.
• Flavor and Aroma Development: The synthesis of new volatile compounds contributes to the characteristic flavors and aromas of ripe fruits like strawberries and pineapples.

These biochemical transformations are facilitated by plant hormones such as ethylene, which acts as a catalyst in the ripening process. Once these changes occur, they cannot be reversed, distinguishing them from physical changes and underscoring their chemical nature.