Question
What is Gibberellin? Mention their sources of secretions and important functions.
Answer
Gibberellins are a class of plant hormones that regulate various growth and developmental processes in plants. They are diterpenoid compounds that are synthesized primarily in the shoot and root apical meristems, young leaves, and developing seeds.
Some important functions of Gibberellins include:
- Promoting stem elongation and cell division
- Stimulating seed germination and breaking of dormancy in seeds and buds
- Regulating flower development and sex determination
- Stimulating fruit development and seedless fruit formation through parthenocarpy
- Improving fruit quality by increasing fruit size and reducing ripening time
- Enhancing tolerance to environmental stressors such as drought and cold temperatures