Problem 101 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Who crystallized cytokinin? (a) Skoog and miller (b) Charles Darwin (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) F. W. Went

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (a) Skoog and Miller.

Step 1: Recall facts

To solve this we simply need to recall the fact that Skoog and Miller were the scientists who managed to crystallize cytokinin.

Key Concepts

Skoog and Miller

The answer to the question about who crystallized cytokinin points us to two key figures in plant physiology: Folke Skoog and his associate, Clarence Miller. In the 1950s, they conducted groundbreaking experiments on the tobacco plant. These experiments led to the discovery and crystallization of cytokinin, which provided a substantial leap forward in our understanding of plant growth and development.

Their work is a classic example within botany; it demonstrates the scientific method's application in solving biological puzzles. By exploring plant tissue culture techniques, they uncovered the critical role of certain hormones in controlling plant cell division. Their work is foundational, laying the groundwork for various advances in plant biology and agricultural sciences.

Cytokinin

Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that play an instrumental role in plant growth and development. They are primarily involved in cell division, growth, and various functions related to plant aging. Skoog and Miller's crystallization of cytokinins helped visualize these hormones' chemical structure for the first time.

Understanding cytokinins is critical for botanists and horticulturists who seek to manipulate plant processes to improve crop yield, control plant size, or delay leaf senescence. For example, cytokinin can be used in tissue culture systems to promote shoot proliferation, making it a valuable tool in plant research and biotechnology.

Plant Hormones

Plant hormones are naturally occurring organic compounds that in small concentrations can influence physiological processes in plants. Aside from cytokinins, there are other important plant hormones including auxins, gibberellins, ethylene, and abscisic acid.

Each hormone has its functions and modes of action. Auxins, for instance, stimulate stem elongation and root initiation, while ethylene is associated with fruit ripening and leaf abscission. The hormonal balance within a plant dictates its shape, size, and life cycle events. As such, the study and application of plant hormones are essential in agriculture and horticulture, offering methods for enhancing crop production, developing new plant varieties, and even controlling invasive species.

Botany

Botany, the study of plants, encompasses a vast array of scientific disciplines. It ranges from the molecular level, including the study of plant hormones such as cytokinins, to the ecology and evolution of plants.

Botanists may delve into genetic engineering, conservation, and the discovery of new plant species. The field constantly evolves as new technologies and methodologies emerge, allowing botanists to gain deeper insights into plant life. Skoog and Miller's work with cytokinins is just one example of how botany can impact not only our understanding of the natural world but also practical applications in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental management.