The article discusses the genetic regulation of fruit development and ripening in plants, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. It highlights the role of MADS box genes in controlling floral and carpel development, as well as in ripening. The study of fruit-ripening mutants and gene expression has revealed a complex regulatory cascade that remains to be fully understood. The molecular basis of ethylene signaling in tomato has been shown to follow a model similar to that in Arabidopsis, with modifications in gene family composition and expression that may be adaptations for successful fruit development and seed dispersal. The role of light signaling in fruit carotenoid accumulation is being examined, and it may represent a target for practical manipulation of fruit pigmentation and nutrient content. The fruit is anatomically defined as a mature ovary and includes various tissues, such as carpel tissues. Fruit development programs vary widely among plant species, resulting in structures that range from hardened fruit capsules to those optimized for seed dispersal. The focus of the article is on recent advances in understanding developmental and signaling pathways that affect later fruit maturation and ripening. Arabidopsis and tomato are highlighted as model systems for studying fruit development and ripening. The article discusses the role of MADS box genes in fruit development, including the AGAMOUS (AG) gene and its functional redundancy with SHATTER-PROOF (SHP) genes. The study of these genes has provided insights into the regulation of carpel determination, ovule identity, and fruit dehiscence. The article also explores the molecular basis of climacteric and nonclimacteric ripening, with a focus on the role of ethylene in ripening. Ethylene production in plant tissues is regulated by the conversion of S-adenosylmethionine to 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) via ACC synthase (ACS) and the subsequent metabolism of ACC to ethylene by ACC oxidase (ACO). The regulation of ethylene synthesis and signaling is a key aspect of fruit ripening, with the rin mutation in tomato providing insights into the genetic control of ripening. The study of ethylene signaling in tomato has revealed the role of ethylene receptors and the importance of gene family size and expression in regulating ripening. The article also discusses the role of light in fruit ripening, particularly in the accumulation of carotenoids. The study of carotenoid synthesis genes in tomato has provided insights into the regulation of fruit pigmentation and nutritional quality. The development of genomics tools, including ESTs and cDNA microarrays, has facilitated the study of fruit development and ripening in important fruit crops. The article concludes with a discussion of the future of fruit development and ripening research, emphasizing the importance of continued genetic and molecular studies in this area.The article discusses the genetic regulation of fruit development and ripening in plants, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. It highlights the role of MADS box genes in controlling floral and carpel development, as well as in ripening. The study of fruit-ripening mutants and gene expression has revealed a complex regulatory cascade that remains to be fully understood. The molecular basis of ethylene signaling in tomato has been shown to follow a model similar to that in Arabidopsis, with modifications in gene family composition and expression that may be adaptations for successful fruit development and seed dispersal. The role of light signaling in fruit carotenoid accumulation is being examined, and it may represent a target for practical manipulation of fruit pigmentation and nutrient content. The fruit is anatomically defined as a mature ovary and includes various tissues, such as carpel tissues. Fruit development programs vary widely among plant species, resulting in structures that range from hardened fruit capsules to those optimized for seed dispersal. The focus of the article is on recent advances in understanding developmental and signaling pathways that affect later fruit maturation and ripening. Arabidopsis and tomato are highlighted as model systems for studying fruit development and ripening. The article discusses the role of MADS box genes in fruit development, including the AGAMOUS (AG) gene and its functional redundancy with SHATTER-PROOF (SHP) genes. The study of these genes has provided insights into the regulation of carpel determination, ovule identity, and fruit dehiscence. The article also explores the molecular basis of climacteric and nonclimacteric ripening, with a focus on the role of ethylene in ripening. Ethylene production in plant tissues is regulated by the conversion of S-adenosylmethionine to 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) via ACC synthase (ACS) and the subsequent metabolism of ACC to ethylene by ACC oxidase (ACO). The regulation of ethylene synthesis and signaling is a key aspect of fruit ripening, with the rin mutation in tomato providing insights into the genetic control of ripening. The study of ethylene signaling in tomato has revealed the role of ethylene receptors and the importance of gene family size and expression in regulating ripening. The article also discusses the role of light in fruit ripening, particularly in the accumulation of carotenoids. The study of carotenoid synthesis genes in tomato has provided insights into the regulation of fruit pigmentation and nutritional quality. The development of genomics tools, including ESTs and cDNA microarrays, has facilitated the study of fruit development and ripening in important fruit crops. The article concludes with a discussion of the future of fruit development and ripening research, emphasizing the importance of continued genetic and molecular studies in this area.