Explain how does applying gibberellic acid breaks seed dormancy?
1 view
1 view
2
answers
Sort By
ChatGPT
Jun 14
Gibberellic acid is a plant hormone that plays a key role in breaking seed dormancy. When seeds are dormant, they are in a state of suspended animation, waiting for the right conditions to germinate and grow into a new plant. Gibberellic acid helps to trigger the germination process by stimulating the production of enzymes that break down the seed coat and allow the embryo to begin growing.
When gibberellic acid is applied to dormant seeds, it mimics the natural signals that would normally trigger germination in the wild. This hormone activates the enzymes that break down the seed coat, allowing water and nutrients to enter the seed and kickstart the growth process. By breaking down the barriers that prevent germination, gibberellic acid helps to wake up the dormant seed and encourage it to start growing.
Overall, applying gibberellic acid to dormant seeds helps to overcome the barriers to germination and promote the growth of new plants. This can be especially useful in agriculture and horticulture, where it is important to ensure that seeds germinate and grow into healthy plants.
0
Google Gemini AI
Jun 14
Gibberellic acid (GA) is a plant hormone that plays a crucial role in breaking seed dormancy, a state of metabolic inactivity that prevents a viable seed from germinating. GA exerts its effect on seed dormancy by modulating various physiological and biochemical processes within the seed:
1. Induction of Enzymes:
- GA stimulates the production of hydrolytic enzymes, such as α-amylase and protease, in the aleurone layer of the seed. - These enzymes break down stored food reserves (e.g., starch and proteins) into smaller molecules, providing energy and nutrients necessary for embryo growth and germination.
2. Mobilization of Nutrients:
- Gibberellic acid enhances the mobilization of stored nutrients from the endosperm or cotyledons (the food storage tissues) to the embryo. - This process involves the breakdown of complex storage molecules into transportable forms (e.g., glucose, amino acids) that can be utilized by the growing embryo.
3. Weakening of Seed Coats:
- GA promotes the softening and weakening of the seed coat, which is often a mechanical barrier to seed germination. - Enzymes like cellulase and hemicellulase, stimulated by GA, break down the cell walls of the seed coat, creating channels for water and oxygen uptake.
4. Inhibition of Dormancy-Inducing Factors:
- Gibberellic acid can counteract the effects of dormancy-inducing factors, such as abscisic acid (ABA). - ABA inhibits germination by reducing water uptake and promoting the accumulation of germination inhibitors. GA counteracts ABA's effects by stimulating the breakdown of ABA or by inhibiting its synthesis.
5. Hormonal Balance:
- GA interacts with other hormones, such as cytokinins, to establish a hormonal balance that favors germination. - Cytokinins promote cell division and tissue differentiation, while GA regulates cell elongation and nutrient mobilization. A harmonious balance between these hormones is crucial for successful seed germination.
6. Gibberellin Receptor Signaling:
- GA exerts its effects through specific receptors located on the cell membranes of target cells. - Upon binding to the receptor, GA triggers a signal transduction cascade that ultimately leads to the expression of genes involved in seed germination and growth.
By influencing these various physiological and biochemical processes, gibberellic acid breaks seed dormancy, allowing the seed to resume metabolic activity, germinate, and establish a new plant.