Problem 167 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Which of the following is a characteristic of ethephon? (a) Readily absorbed (b) Transported within the plant (c) Releases ethylene slowly (d) All of these

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The characteristic of ethephon is that it is readily absorbed, transported within the plant, and releases ethylene slowly. Therefore, the correct choice is (d) all of these.

Step 1: Understanding Ethephon

Understand what ethephon is. Ethephon is a potent plant growth regulator that serves various functions. It is readily absorbed and transported within a plant after application.

Step 2: Ethephon and Ethylene Release

It is also important to know that ethephon slowly releases ethylene, a gas that influences the growth and development of plants. Ethylene promotes certain reactions in plants that lead to growth and development.

Step 3: Choosing the Correct Answer

Based on the provided choices, all options describe a characteristic of ethephon. Hence, the correct choice is (d) all of these.

Key Concepts

Plant Growth Regulator

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are chemicals that influence the growth and development of plants. They can alter a plant's physiological processes such as flowering, fruit setting, ripening, and even plant aging.

One example of a PGR is ethephon, which is known for its ability to release ethylene after application. Ethylene acts as a hormone within plants, triggering various growth responses. For instance, it can accelerate fruit ripening and abscission in leaves and fruits.

Students studying for competitive exams like NEET Biology must familiarize themselves with PGRs, as they play a critical role in both natural plant processes and agricultural applications. PGRs can be synthetic or natural, and understanding their mechanism of action can be crucial in answering related questions.

Ethylene Release in Plants

Ethylene is a naturally occurring plant hormone with profound effects on the growth and development of plants. Factors activating ethylene production include stress, aging, and environmental changes. Once released, ethylene can prompt fruit ripening, leaf abscission, and can even signal stress responses.

In agriculture, controlling the timing of ethylene release is vital. This is where ethephon comes in as an agricultural aid. When ethephon is applied, it is metabolized by the plant, releasing ethylene gas slowly. This slow release allows for a controlled manipulation of plant processes like harvesting and market preparation of fruits.

Understanding this mechanism can be essential for students preparing for NEET Biology, as it is a typical example of how plant hormones affect growth and development, a subject often tested in various biology exams.

NEET Biology

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a preeminent exam in India for students aspiring to enter the medical field. Biology is a cornerstone of the NEET syllabus and covers a broad range of topics from molecular biology to physiology and plant biology, including the study of plant growth regulators like ethephon.

Targeted preparation on topics such as plant hormones and their effects, as well as their agricultural applications, can give competitive advantage to students. The knowledge about how ethephon influences ethylene release is an example of the level of understanding required for NEET Biology. Familiarity with the practical applications of biological concepts is often crucial in successfully tackling the biology section of the NEET.