Temperature response

Definition

Temperature response refers to how plants adjust their physiological processes and growth patterns in reaction to changes in temperature. This is crucial for various plant hormones, including ethylene, abscisic acid, and brassinosteroids, which mediate responses to temperature fluctuations, enabling plants to adapt to their environment for optimal survival and reproduction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Temperature response is vital for seed germination; many seeds require specific temperature ranges for optimal growth.
2. Ethylene production often increases in response to higher temperatures, affecting processes like fruit ripening and senescence.
3. Abscisic acid levels can rise during drought or heat stress, helping plants conserve water by closing stomata.
4. Brassinosteroids can enhance a plant's ability to tolerate extreme temperatures by promoting stress resistance mechanisms.
5. Temperature responses are not only critical for growth but also influence flowering time, which is essential for successful reproduction.

Review Questions

• How does ethylene's function in temperature response affect the life cycle of a plant?
  • Ethylene's role in temperature response is significant as it helps regulate critical processes such as fruit ripening and flower opening. When temperatures rise, ethylene production increases, leading to quicker ripening of fruits. This can impact the timing of reproduction and the overall success of the plant's life cycle by synchronizing growth phases with favorable environmental conditions.
• Discuss how abscisic acid contributes to a plant's survival during temperature extremes.
  • Abscisic acid plays a crucial role in helping plants manage stress during temperature extremes by regulating water loss through stomatal closure. When temperatures rise or during drought conditions, ABA levels increase, triggering responses that help the plant conserve water. This adaptation not only supports survival during harsh conditions but also enhances overall resilience to environmental fluctuations.
• Evaluate the combined effects of temperature response on plant hormones in promoting overall plant health and productivity.
  • The combined effects of temperature response on plant hormones like ethylene, abscisic acid, and brassinosteroids are integral for promoting plant health and productivity. Ethylene facilitates growth and reproduction under favorable temperatures while ABA ensures water conservation during stress. Brassinosteroids enhance resistance mechanisms against heat stress. Together, these hormonal responses enable plants to adapt efficiently to temperature changes, optimizing their growth conditions and improving yields.

Related terms

Ethylene: A plant hormone involved in regulating various processes including fruit ripening, flower opening, and leaf abscission, often influenced by temperature changes.

Abscisic Acid (ABA): A plant hormone that plays a key role in plant stress responses, particularly in regulating water loss and stomatal closure during high temperatures.

Brassinosteroids: A class of plant hormones that promote cell expansion and growth, which can be affected by temperature conditions, influencing overall plant development.