How does ethene influence cell division and fruit ripening in plants?

Ethene is a plant hormone that regulates cell division and promotes the ripening of fruits. It triggers the production of enzymes that break down cell walls, leading to softening of the fruit, and increases the synthesis of sugars, enhancing flavor and aroma during ripening.

This answer is strong because it clearly describes the role of ethene in both cell division and the ripening process, addressing the learning objective directly. The question tests understanding of plant hormones and their specific functions.