Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because

Correct Answer: C) Rate of respiration is decreased

Fruits, like all living organisms, continue to respire even after harvest. Respiration involves the breakdown of sugars and other organic compounds, leading to their deterioration and eventual spoilage. Cold storage significantly slows down the rate of respiration. This reduced metabolic activity extends the shelf life of fruits by delaying ripening, softening, and decay.

Let's analyze why other options are incorrect:

A) Exposure to sunlight is prevented: While sunlight can accelerate ripening and spoilage, preventing sunlight exposure is a general practice in storage, not the primary reason for the extended life in cold chambers.

B) Concentration of carbon dioxide in the environment is increased: Increasing CO2 can inhibit respiration to some extent, but it's not the main mechanism behind cold storage's effectiveness. High CO2 levels can also be detrimental to fruit quality.

D) There is an increase in humidity: Humidity control is important to prevent dehydration, but it doesn't directly address the underlying process of spoilage – respiration. Excessive humidity can also promote fungal growth.

Therefore, the fundamental principle behind cold storage is to reduce the rate of respiration, thereby preserving the fruit for a longer duration.