Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Seeds of many desert plants will not germinate until a heavy rain washes away their __________.
A
phytochrome
B
gibberellins
C
auxin
D
phytoalexins
E
abscisic acid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of abscisic acid in seed dormancy: Abscisic acid (ABA) is a plant hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining seed dormancy by inhibiting germination.
Recognize the environmental trigger: In desert environments, seeds often remain dormant until conditions are favorable for growth. A heavy rain can signal such favorable conditions.
Identify the process of dormancy breaking: The heavy rain washes away abscisic acid, reducing its concentration around the seed, which allows germination to proceed.
Differentiate from other plant hormones: Phytochrome, gibberellins, auxin, and phytoalexins have different roles in plant growth and development, but they are not primarily responsible for maintaining seed dormancy in desert plants.
Conclude with the correct answer: The correct answer is abscisic acid, as it is the hormone that needs to be washed away by rain to allow seed germination in desert plants.