Abscission
Definition
Abscission is the process by which plants shed leaves, flowers, or fruits. It is a crucial mechanism for plant survival and adaptation, often triggered by environmental cues or hormonal changes.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Abscission involves the formation of an abscission zone at the base of the plant organ to be shed.
- Ethylene is a key hormone that promotes abscission, while auxin can inhibit it.
- The process helps plants conserve resources during unfavorable conditions like drought or cold weather.
- Cellular changes in the abscission zone include cell wall degradation and increased enzyme activity.
- Abscission also plays a role in the dispersal of seeds and removal of damaged or diseased organs.
Review Questions
- What role does ethylene play in the process of abscission?
- How does the formation of an abscission zone contribute to leaf shedding?
- Why might a plant benefit from shedding its leaves during drought conditions?
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Related terms
Ethylene: A gaseous plant hormone involved in regulating growth, development, and responses to stress.
Auxin: A class of plant hormones that regulate various aspects of growth and development, including cell elongation and division.
Senescence: The process of aging in plants where cells undergo physiological and biochemical changes leading to death.
