Controls of growth, development and movement Plant Hormones Controls of growth, development and movement
Processes in growth Cell division. Cell enlargment. Cell differentiation.
Movement in Plants Turgor movements (changes in turgor pressure in selected cells) Growth movements (elongation of selected cells in response to stimulus) phototropism geotropism thigmotropism
Turgor movement Mimosa pudica L. (sensitive plant)
Thigmotropism
Directional movements in response to a directional stimulus Tropic responses Directional movements in response to a directional stimulus
Growth movement
Phototropism
Geotropism
Hormones Signal molecules produced at specific locations. Occur in low concentrations. Cause altered processes in target cells at other locations.
Plant growth substances Artificially synthesized substances which produce hormone like responses
General plant hormones Auxins Gibberellins Cytokinins Abscisic acid Ethylene
Auxin
Auxin associated with phototropism - early experiments demonstrate tip as receptor.
Demonstration of transported chemical
Auxin Discovered as substance associated with phototropic response. Occurs in very low concentrations. Differential response depending on dose.
Loosening of cell wall
Additional responses to auxin abscission - loss of leaves flower initiation sex determination fruit development
Gibberellin
Discovered in association with Foolish disease of rice (Gibberella fujikuroi) uninfected infected
Effects of Gibberellins General cell elongation. Breaking of dormancy. Promotion of flowering. Transport is non-polar, bidirectional producing general responses.
Cytokinins
Function of cytokinins Promotes cell division. Morphogenesis. Lateral bud development. Delay of senescence. Stomatal opening. Rapid transport in xylem stream.
Abscisic acid
Functions of abscisic acid General growth inhibitor. Causes stomatal closure. Readily translocated. Produced in response to stress.
Ethylene H H \ / C = C / \
Functions of ethylene Gaseous in form. Rapid diffusion. Affects adjacent individuals. Fruit ripening. Senescence and abscission. Interference with auxin transport. Initiation of stem elongation and bud development.