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A Handbook of Biology

5 Abscisic Acid (ABA)

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During mid-1960s, it was reported 3 kinds of inhibitors: inhibitor-B,

abscission II & dormin. They were chemically identical and now known

as abscisic acid.

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ABA is the derivatives of carotenoids.

(AIPMT 2009)

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It regulates abscission and dormancy.

FÜÑÇTÏØÑS

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Inhibitor of plant growth and metabolism.

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Inhibits seed germination.

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Stimulates the closure of stomata in the

epidermis.

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Increases the tolerance of plants to various

kinds of stresses. Therefore, it is also called

the stress hormone.

(AIPMT 2014)

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For

seed

development,

maturation

&

dormancy (it helps to withstand desiccation

and other unfavourable factors).



In most situations, ABA acts as an antagonist

to GAs.

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The role of ABA could be complimentary or antagonistic. These could be

individualistic or synergistic.

ÏÑTËRÅÇTÏØÑS ØF PGRS

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PGRs play individualistic or synergistic role. Such

roles may be complimentary or antagonistic.

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PGRs interact to affect dormancy in seeds/

buds,

abscission,

flowering,

senescence,

vernalisation

,

apical

dominance,

seed

germination, plant movements etc.



In most situations, ABA acts as an antagonist to

GAs. (NEET 2012)