Question

Name the only gaseous natural plant hormone. Describe its 3 different kinds of action in plants.

Answer 1

It is a hydrocarbon compound, colorless, and inflammable gas. It has a faint musty and sweet odor when obtained in pure form.

Complete step by step answer:
Ethylene is the only gaseous natural plant hormone. It is formed by tissues undergoing senescence and fruit maturation in large quantities.
The following are the actions of ethylene in plants-

1. It has been found that when stored with ripe bananas, unripe bananas ripen faster. Later, it was found that the agent encouraging ripening was ethylene. It is highly successful in fruit ripening as it increases the rate of breathing during fruit ripening.
2. In pineapples (Bromeliaceae) and cucumbers, ethylene promotes femininity (feminizing effect). In cucumber plants, it raises the number of female flowers, thus increasing the final yield.
3. Ethylene splits seed and dormancy of buds, initiates plant germination.
4. It also encourages root growth and the development of root hair, thereby allowing plants to improve their surface absorption.

Additional information: In most plants, the plant hormone ethylene is a battle against salinity. Ethylene is known to regulate the growth and development of plants and is suited to stress conditions. In several plant growth processes, central membrane proteins in plants, such as ETO2, ERS1, and EIN2, are used for ethylene signaling. It uses ethylene as an-aesthetic. Metal Fabrication: In metal cutting, welding, and high-speed thermal spraying, ethylene is used as an oxy-fuel gas. Refining: Ethylene is used, especially in LNG liquefaction plants, as a refrigerant. Rubber & Plastics: In rubber production, ethylene is used.

Note: The most important function of ethylene is to ripen raw fruits. But artificial agents are used sometimes for fast ripening. They do not have any harmful side-effects. Considered to be an essential plant hormone.