Question

What is the function of ethylene?

Answer 1

Ethylene:

1. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that is released by all plant tissues and microorganisms.
2. It is also called the ‘Ripening hormone’ as it plays an important role in the ripening process.
3. It has autocatalytic activity because of which such small quantities can trigger the further release of large quantities of ethylene by the fruit tissue.

The function of Ethylene are:

1. It induces the ripening of fruits.
2. Promotes abscission and senescence of leaf, flowers, etc
3. In cells, it only increases the width but not the length.
4. Gaseous in form and rapidly diffusing.
5. The Gas is produced by one plant and will affect nearby plants.