Ethylene
/ˈɛθəˌlin/
Definition
Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone, meaning a chemical signal that helps regulate growth and development. Plants produce it naturally in fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, and roots, especially during stress, aging, and ripening. Unlike most plant hormones, it acts as a gas, so it can move through air spaces in plant tissues and around stored produce. It is best known for promoting fruit ripening, leaf drop, flower aging, and some stress responses.
Biological Role
- Ripening trigger: In many fruits, it speeds softening, color change, and aroma development by switching on enzymes that alter cell walls, pigments, and stored starches.
- Leaf and flower drop: It helps regulate abscission, the natural shedding of leaves, flowers, and fruit, especially during aging, stress, or seasonal change.
- Stress signaling: Plants often produce more under flooding, wounding, drought, or disease pressure, which can slow stem elongation, promote senescence, or redirect growth.
- Practical handling effects: Because it moves as a gas, nearby ripening fruit can affect cut flowers, houseplants, and stored produce, so separation can reduce unwanted aging or drop.
Related Terms
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