Ethylene is a simple gaseous PGR. It is synthesised in large amounts by tissues undergoing senescence and ripening fruits. Influences of ethylene on plants include horizontal growth of seedlings, swelling of axis in dicot seedlings, promotion of senescence, abscission in leaves and fruits and reduction in stem elongation.
NTA focuses on ethylene's role as a plant growth regulator synthesized during senescence and fruit ripening, and its multiple effects on plant physiology. Students commonly confuse ethylene with other hormones like gibberellins or auxins, or forget that it promotes senescence (aging) while also ripening fruits. The key point: ethylene is gaseous, acts on multiple tissues simultaneously, and while it promotes ripening in fruits, it reduces stem elongation and promotes abscission in leaves. Remember: ethylene = ripening + senescence + horizontal growth + reduced vertical growth.
This paragraph was tested 2 times in NEET.
Which one of the following growth regulators is associated with fruit ripening and senescence?[Neet 2025]
Match List-I with List-II: (NEET 2024) List-I: A. Ethylene B. Cytokinin C. Abscisic acid D. Gibberellin List-II: I. Increases length of stem II. Promotes senescence and abscission of leaves and flowers III. Delay in leaf senescence IV. Inhibits seed germination Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
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