Effects of fruit maturity on watermelon ultrastructure and intracellular lycopene distribution

J Food Sci. 2008 Jun;73(5):S222-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00778.x.

Abstract

This study employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to conduct research on the ultrastructure of watermelon (cultivar: Hazera SW1) mesocarp samples of different maturities. Micrographs from immature fruit showed incompletely formed chromoplasts. A combination of distinct pigment-bearing chromoplasts and incompletely formed chromoplasts was observed in mature watermelon micrographs. Electron micrographs showed chromoplasts changing from a less organized globular form in immature to a symmetrical form in mature to an asymmetrical form in overmature watermelons. This study furthers our understanding of watermelon physiology and the effect of maturity on compartmentalization of lycopene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carotenoids / analysis*
  • Citrullus / chemistry
  • Citrullus / physiology*
  • Citrullus / ultrastructure*
  • Food Technology*
  • Fruit / chemistry
  • Fruit / physiology
  • Fruit / ultrastructure
  • Lycopene
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / methods*

Substances

  • Carotenoids
  • Lycopene