38. Match the plant hormones in Column I with functions in Column II
Column I Column II
P. Gibberellic acid 1. Seed and bud dormancy
Q. Zeatin 2. Fruit ripening
R. Ethylene 3. delaying leaf senescence
S. Abscisic acid 4. Regulation of plant height
P Q R S
(a) 4 3 2 1
(b) 4 2 3 1
(c) 3 1 2 4
(d) 2 1 4 3
Gibberellic acid regulates plant height, Zeatin delays leaf senescence, Ethylene promotes fruit ripening, and Abscisic acid induces seed and bud dormancy. The correct matching follows standard plant physiology principles.
Correct Answer
The right option is (a) 4 3 2 1.
P (Gibberellic acid) matches 4 (Regulation of plant height), as it promotes stem elongation.
Q (Zeatin) matches 3 (delaying leaf senescence), a key cytokinin function.
R (Ethylene) matches 2 (Fruit ripening), its primary role in climacteric fruits.
S (Abscisic acid) matches 1 (Seed and bud dormancy), inducing stress responses.
Option Analysis
Each option mismatches specific hormone functions.
Option (a): 4 3 2 1
Correct, as explained above—all pairings align with textbook roles.
Option (b): 4 2 3 1
Wrong: Zeatin (Q) with 2 (fruit ripening) fails, as cytokinins like Zeatin inhibit ripening unlike ethylene.
Option (c): 3 1 2 4
Wrong: Gibberellic acid (P) with 3 (delaying senescence) mismatches, since cytokinins handle that; gibberellins focus on growth.
Option (d): 2 1 4 3
Wrong: Gibberellic acid (P) with 2 (fruit ripening) incorrect, as ethylene controls it; gibberellins aid germination, not ripening.
Hormone Functions Table
| Hormone | Primary Function | Key Effect |
|---|---|---|
| P. Gibberellic acid | 4. Regulation of plant height | Stem elongation, dwarfism reversal |
| Q. Zeatin | 3. Delaying leaf senescence | Promotes cell division, anti-aging |
| R. Ethylene | 2. Fruit ripening | Climacteric ripening trigger |
| S. Abscisic acid | 1. Seed and bud dormancy | Stress-induced dormancy |
