41. Hormone responsible for maturation of Embryo is-
(1) Abscisic acid           (2) Gibberellic acid
(3) Ethylene                 (4) Auxin

Correct answer: (1) Abscisic acid

Explanation:

• Abscisic acid (ABA) is the key plant hormone that regulates embryo maturation and promotes seed dormancy to ensure seeds develop properly and remain dormant until favorable conditions for germination occur.

• Gibberellic acid (GA) generally promotes embryo growth and seed germination but does not promote maturation.

• Ethylene mainly regulates fruit ripening and senescence rather than embryo maturation.

• Auxin is involved in early embryo development and pattern formation but not specifically in maturation.

Option-wise:

• (1) Abscisic acid — correct; regulates embryo maturation and dormancy.

• (2) Gibberellic acid — promotes growth and germination, not maturation.

• (3) Ethylene — regulates ripening and senescence, not embryo maturation.

• (4) Auxin — involved in embryogenesis but not maturation.

  Abscisic acid functions as a developmental signal for embryo maturation and seed dormancy, coordinating the timing of seed readiness for germination and environmental resilience.