6.16B **Higher and Biology Only** - Commercial Uses of Plant Hormones Flashcards
What are plant hormones used for in agriculture and horticulture?
They are used to alter plant growth, increase yield, obtain desirable features, and lower costs.
How is auxin used as a weed killer?
Weedkillers containing auxin are synthesized to affect only broad-leaved plants, causing rapid cell growth that results in the weed dying.
What role does auxin play in rooting powders?
Auxin is applied to cuttings from original plants to promote root growth, allowing for cloning of plants with desirable features.
How does auxin promote growth in tissue culture?
Cells from the plant are placed in a nutrient-rich growth medium with auxins, leading to the formation of roots and shoots.
What are gibberellins used for?
Gibberellins are used in germination, to increase fruit size, and to encourage faster flowering.
How do gibberellins affect seed germination?
They break seed dormancy, allowing germination to occur.
What is the role of ethene in the food industry?
Ethene controls ripening; fruits are picked unripe to reduce damage during transport and are exposed to ethene to ripen before sale.
How does ethene affect fruit ripening?
Ethene stimulates enzymes that control cell division and result in fruit ripening, reducing wastage by ensuring fruits are sold at the right time.
