Question

What is correct?
A. Albinism is genetic and etiolation is physiological.
B. Etiolation is genetic and albinism is physiological.
C. Etiolation is irreversible.
D. Etiolation and albinism are synonyms.

Answer 1

Etiolation is a process in which flowering plants are grown in the partial or complete absence of light, whereas, albinism typically refers to a group of inherited disorders where there is a defect in the production of a protein.

Complete answer:
A defect in one of several genes that produce and distribute melanin causes albinism. This defect may result in the absence of melanin production, or in the reduced amount of melanin production. The defective gene passed down from both parents to the child and leads to albinism. Persons with albinism may have to limit their activities because they cannot tolerate sun exposure. They have pale skin and vision difficulties. On the other hand, etiolation is a process in which flowering plants are grown in the partial or complete absence of light. It is characterized by long, weak stems. There is the presence of smaller leaves due to longer internodes and pale yellow colour. The development of seedlings in the dark is known as "skotomorphogenesis" and leads to etiolation in seedlings. Therefore, etiolation is physiological and albinism is genetic.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: There is no cure for albinism but the skin can be protected from sun exposure and the eye condition can be treated. Etiolation increases the chances that a plant will reach a light source, often from under the soil or leaf litter. The growing tips are strongly attracted to light and will then grow towards it. The pale colour results from a lack of chlorophyll.