Question

Which of the following is an effect of abscisic acid on plants?

• A. Inhibition of plant growth and metabolism
• B. Opening of stomata
• C. Induces seed germination
• D. All the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Inhibition of plant growth and metabolism

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a plant growth inhibitor and plays a vital role in helping the plants cope with stressful environmental conditions.

Plants have limited food supply in stressful situations. For example, in cold conditions, when water and sunlight are scarce, plants can’t undergo much photosynthesis. ABA acts on the plant to inhibit slows its growth and metabolism so that the plant can survive on the available food resources.

In freezing conditions or drought, the closure of stomata helps conserve water by minimizing transpiration. So abscisic acid triggers the closure of stomata and raises the endurance of plants to different sorts of stresses.

They also induce dormancy, this helps the seeds to withstand desiccation and other factors unfavourable for growth. So abscisic acid induces dormancy in seeds, which prevents them from germination.