Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

General Test

Chapter

General Knowledge

Topic

Biology

Question:

What is the  main function of abscisic acid in plants  ?

 

Options:

Promote cell division

Increase the cell length

Inhibit growth 

Growth of the stem

Correct Answer:

Inhibit growth 

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) – Inhibit growth
When growing plants detect light, a hormone called auxin, synthesised at the shoot tip, helps the cells to grow longer. When light is coming from one side of the plant, auxin diffuses towards the shady side of the shoot. This concentration of auxin stimulates the cells to grow longer on the side of the shoot which is away from light. Thus, the plant appears to bend towards light.

Gibberellins, like auxins, help in the growth of the stem.

Cytokinins promote cell division, and it is natural then that they are present in greater concentration in areas of rapid cell division, such as in fruits and seeds. These are examples of plant hormones that help in promoting growth.

But plants also need signals to stop growing. Abscisic acid is one example of a hormone which inhibits growth. Its effects include wilting of leaves.