In the case of a plant, if you pluck a living green leaf from a tree, it's still alive. A dried, brown, autumn leaf is dead. When you pluck a fruit, the cells of the fruit are alive. The seeds are alive.
Here’s something to think about the next time you’re looking for the perfect banana in that basket on your kitchen counter: That innocent looking fruit is actually still a living, metabolizing item of produce, and neglecting the well-being of your fruits and vegetables could have consequences on the nutritional value you receive from them, according to a study published in the journal Current Biology.
Earlier research has shown that plants have zombie-like qualities. They are able to maintain their circadian clock, and cellular functions, long after being harvested and sold in grocery stores. This internal clock continues to regulate their aspects of metabolism, including respiration,even as you add some Italian dressing and stick a fork in your salad.
