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Plant Hormones - Ethylene

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Estimated time: 6 minutes
  • Definition: Ethylene
  • Key Points: Ethylene
CISCE: Class 10

Definition: Ethylene

Ethylene is a plant hormone that exists as a gas at room temperature. It is produced in fruits and acts at the same place where it is made. It was discovered by R. Gane and is formed in higher plants, fungi, and meristematic tissues.

Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 10

Key Points: Ethylene

  • Introduction — Only a gaseous phytohormone. Denny (1924) reported the fruit ripening role; Gane (1934) confirmed natural synthesis. Produced from methionine. Source: Ethephon.
  • Site of Synthesis — Roots, shoot apical meristems, ripening fruits. Acts as both a promoter and an inhibitor.
  • Fruit Ripening — Promotes the ripening of bananas, apples, mangoes, and tomatoes. Increases respiratory climacteric. Used in post-harvest technology.
  • Abscission & Senescence — Enhances abscission of leaves, flowers, and fruits. Promotes senescence. Causes degreening in bananas and citrus.
  • Dormancy & Roots — Breaks seed dormancy. In low concentrations, it promotes root growth and lateral root initiation.
  • Inhibitory Effects — Inhibits flowering (except pineapple); causes apical dominance; causes epinasty (drooping of leaves/flowers).
  • Other Effects — Promotes horizontal seedling growth; may cause ageotropism (roots lose sensitivity to gravity).
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