Question

The most widely used compound as a source of \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{4}\) is (a) kinetin (b) zeatin (c) \(\mathrm{IBA}\) (d) ethophen.

Short answer

(d) ethophen.

Step-by-step solution

- Identify the Chemical Compound

Recognize that the compound in question, \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{4}\), is the chemical formula for ethylene, which is an important plant hormone.

- Match Chemical Compound with its Source

Determine which option corresponds to a source or synthetic form of ethylene.

- Choose the Correct Option

Select (d) ethophen as it is commonly associated with the synthetic release of ethylene which is used in agricultural practices.

Key concepts

C2H4 Compound

Ethylene, represented by the chemical formula \( \mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{4} \), plays a pivotal role in the life cycle of plants. This simple hydrocarbon is a colorless gas at room temperature and is markedly distinct from other plant hormones due to its gaseous state. As a signal molecule, it influences various processes in plant biology, including but not limited to fruit ripening, leaf abscission, and the response to environmental stress.

Due to its double bond, ethylene is highly reactive, making it a suitable candidate for participating in a plant's internal signaling network. It is able to diffuse through membranes, allowing it to travel between cells and tissues to exert its effects. Understanding the molecular structure and reactive nature of \( \mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{4} \) can greatly assist students in comprehending how this compound functions within the plant system.

Plant Hormones

Plant hormones, or phytohormones, are chemicals that, in low concentrations, have profound effects on plant growth, development, and physiology. Ethylene, the \( \mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{4} \) compound highlighted in the original exercise, is one of the five major classes of plant hormones.

The others include auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, and abscisic acid. These substances regulate myriad aspects of plant life, from cell division and stem elongation to flowering and seed germination. Students should know that while some plant hormones like ethylene are gaseous, others are solids or liquids. Importantly, hormones can work independently or synergistically, which adds another layer of complexity to understanding plant growth and development.

Source of Ethylene

Identifying reliable sources of ethylene is crucial for varied applications in agriculture and horticulture. In nature, plants produce ethylene biologically as a hormone. However, for commercial purposes, it can also be synthesized chemically.

Ethophen, recognized in the solution as the right answer, is a synthetic compound used as a source of ethylene. Its agricultural applications include stimulating fruit ripening, inducing flowering, and in some cases, helping to coordinate the plant's response to stress.

Synthetic vs. Natural Ethylene

While natural ethylene produced by plants is a byproduct of metabolic processes, synthetic sources like ethophen are designed to mimic this plant hormone's action, ensuring controlled usage tailored to specific outcomes in crop management.