Question

To speed up the malting process in brewing industry the growth hormone used is (a) auxin (b) gibberellin (c) kinetin (d) ethylene.

Short answer

The growth hormone used to speed up the malting process in the brewing industry is (b) gibberellin.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the Hormone

In the malting process, the growth hormone responsible for stimulating the germination of barley seeds is required. Among the options provided, we need to select the hormone that is known to speed up the germination process.

Understanding the Role of Hormones in Plants

Different plant hormones have different roles: (a) Auxin promotes cell elongation, (b) Gibberellins stimulate growth and development processes including germination, (c) Kinetin is a type of cytokinin that promotes cell division, and (d) Ethylene is involved in fruit ripening and response to stress.

Choosing the Correct Hormone

Given the roles of the hormones, gibberellin is the hormone that is used to speed up the malting process since it stimulates seed germination and growth, which is essential in malting.

Key concepts

Gibberellin in the Malting Process

The malting process is a crucial step in brewing, where barley grains are converted into malt, a key ingredient in beer production. Gibberellins play a fundamental role here by stimulating the germination of barley seeds. They essentially signal the seeds to break dormancy and start sprouting, an essential phase in malt production. Once the grain begins to germinate, enzymes like amylases are activated, which break down the starches into simpler sugars—this is vital for the fermentation process that occurs later in brewing.

Industry professionals leverage the power of gibberellin to speed up and control the malting process, ensuring a consistent and optimal production of malt. This artificial induction of seed germination, thanks to gibberellin, leads to more predictable malting periods and improves the overall efficiency of the brewing process.

Auxin and Cell Elongation

Auxin is a key plant hormone that guides the growth and development of plants by promoting cell elongation. It primarily affects parts of the plant where growth needs to occur, such as the stems and roots. When auxin is distributed unevenly in a plant, it causes cells to grow longer on one side, enabling plants to bend towards light—a phenomenon known as phototropism.

Auxin also plays a regulatory role in other vital plant processes, such as vascular tissue differentiation and root hair development, cementing its position as a cornerstone in plant biology. Its influence on cell elongation makes auxin an essential component for plant growth and adaptability to their environment.

Kinetin and Cell Division

Kinetin belongs to a group of plant hormones called cytokinins, which are primarily responsible for encouraging cell division, or cytokinesis, in plant roots and shoots. This hormone helps drive cell growth and differentiation, leading to the formation of new tissues in the plant. Kinetin is also involved in delaying aging in leaves, promoting nutrient mobilization, and even affecting the pathway of auxin transport.

By promoting cell division, kinetin assists in rejuvenating plants, maintaining their vitality, and ensuring steady growth. Gardeners and agricultural professionals often use cytokinins to improve crop yields and restore the health of plants impacted by various stresses.

Ethylene and Fruit Ripening

Ethylene, often termed the 'ripening hormone,' is a gaseous plant hormone that is integral to several aspects of a plant's life cycle, particularly fruit ripening. It triggers a wide range of responses, including the softening of fruit tissue, changes in its color, and the development of characteristic flavors and fragrances. This hormone is an important signal for fruits to transition from growth phase to the ripening phase.

Ethylene’s role isn’t limited to just ripening; it also influences other plant processes such as leaf abscission, flower wilting, and response to environmental stress. Commercially, understanding the role of ethylene has led to improved practices in harvesting, storing, and transporting fruits, ensuring that consumers receive produce at the peak of ripeness and flavor.