Question

Gibberellin was first extracted from (a) Gibberella fujikori (b) Gelidium (c) Gracilaria (d) Aspergillus.

Short answer

Gibberellin was first extracted from (a) Gibberella fujikori.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Correct Answer

To solve this exercise, one needs to refer to the historical data or educational resources that discuss the origin of the plant hormone Gibberellin. Gibberellin was first discovered as a substance produced by the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi, which causes 'foolish seedling' disease in rice. Therefore, the answer is based on historical scientific discovery.

Key concepts

Gibberella fujikuroi

Gibberella fujikuroi is more than just a scientific term - it's a key player in the story of plant growth! This fascinating fungus is responsible for the discovery of a group of plant growth hormones known as gibberellins.

Historically, Gibberella fujikuroi caused a serious disease in rice called 'Bakanae', which translates to 'foolish seedling'. The disease makes rice plants grow excessively tall and spindly, rendering them weak and unproductive. Scientists identified the exact substance produced by Gibberella fujikuroi causing this peculiar growth, naming it gibberellin. From this curious beginning, researchers learned that gibberellin could stimulate plant growth and have since found various applications in agriculture and horticulture.

Understanding the role of Gibberella fujikuroi in plant biology helps us appreciate the interplay between organisms and the discovery of compounds that are crucial for plant development.

Plant Hormones

Plant hormones are essential chemicals that regulate and influence the growth, development, and response of plants to their environment. Gibberellin, extracted from the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi, is just one member of this pivotal group of substances.

These hormones work at very low concentrations and are produced in one part of the plant, but can affect other parts, facilitating various processes. For example, gibberellins promote stem elongation, seed germination, and fruit development. Moreover, they work in concert with other hormones such as auxins, cytokinins, ethylene, and abscisic acid to fine-tune plant growth and response to stimuli.

Understanding plant hormones is crucial for agricultural practices, enabling farmers and horticulturists to manipulate plant processes to increase yield, produce larger fruits, or create more aesthetically pleasing flowers.

Botany Education

Botany education lays the foundation for understanding complex biological systems in plants and their interactions with the environment. It's vital for students to grasp concepts, like the role of Gibberella fujikuroi in the production of gibberellins or the importance of plant hormones, to appreciate the nuanced interactions within plant biology.

In a comprehensive botany curriculum, students learn about plant physiology, taxonomy, genetics, and ecology. Practical applications of these theories, such as using gibberellin to manipulate plant growth or combat agricultural issues, showcase botany's direct impact on food production and environmental management.

By taking a step-by-step approach, as seen with the exercise on Gibberella fujikuroi and gibberellin, educators can help students build their knowledge base, promoting a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.