Abscisic acid
Abscisic Acid
Abscisic acid (pronunciation: ab-sis-ik as-id) is a naturally occurring plant hormone. It plays a crucial role in plant growth and development, including seed dormancy, germination, and adaptation to environmental stress conditions.
Etymology
The term "abscisic acid" is derived from the word "abscission," which in botany refers to the natural detachment of parts of a plant, typically dead leaves and ripe fruit. The "acid" part of the name refers to its chemical structure.
Function
Abscisic acid is primarily known for its role in plant stress tolerance. It is synthesized in response to environmental stress conditions such as drought, cold, and salinity. It helps plants adapt to these conditions by closing the stomata on leaves to reduce water loss and by promoting root growth to reach deeper water sources.
In addition to its role in stress response, abscisic acid also regulates various aspects of plant growth and development. It inhibits cell growth, prevents premature germination, and induces seed dormancy.
Synthesis and Metabolism
Abscisic acid is synthesized in the chloroplasts of plant cells from carotenoids, a type of pigment. The synthesis process involves several enzymatic reactions. Once synthesized, abscisic acid can be metabolized and inactivated by hydroxylation, a chemical process that adds a hydroxyl group to the molecule.
Related Terms
- Stomata: Tiny openings or pores in plant tissue that allow for gas exchange.
- Chloroplasts: Organelles found in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.
- Carotenoids: Pigments responsible for the red, yellow, and orange colors in plants and fruits.
- Hydroxylation: A chemical process that introduces a hydroxyl group into an organic compound.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Abscisic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Abscisic acid
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