Fruit softening is the process which occurs as a result
of hydrolysis of various cell wall components including
cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and protein. The
hydrolysis of these components is brought about by
the action of PG, PME, PL, EGase, RG and β-
galactosidase. The role of these enzymes has now been
well confirmed by applying molecular techniques
involving over and under expression of enzyme activity
viz. alteration in the process of hydrolysis. Expansins
are specialized group of proteins which also have been
implicated in the process of softening due to their effect
enhancing the accessibility of wall polymers to enzyme
action, thereby accelerating wall hydrolysis. The exact
role of expansin in softening process still needs to be
ascertained by use of molecular tools