PLANT

HORMONES
ABSCISIC ACID (ABA)
ABSCISIC ACID (ABA)

Structure of ABA
Terpenoid structure
 A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY OF ABA
An Extract (Abscissin Dormin(an active
II) from cotton fruit substance)Is isolated
induces abscission ( and crystallised from
Cause the falling of sycamore
leaves) leaves(maple tree)

1963-
1963 1964 1967
1964

Isolate a compound Agreed to call these

from birch leaves active substances as
that cause ABA
dormancy(Inactivity)
• ABSCISSION - the natural detachment of parts of a plant
typically dead leaves and ripe fruit

• DORMANCY - strategy of plants to survive adverse conditions

by pausing growth and development; period of plant's life
cycle when plants enter a period of rest
WHERE DOES IT SYNTHETISED?
 EFFECT OF ABA

Seed Main effect Drought

Dormancy
of ABA Tolerance
 SEED DORMANCY
• Seed dormancy - A state at which the seeds are prevented from
germinating
• Seeds only germinate under suitable condition.

• Seed with high level of ABA in dormant state will not grow , until the
ABA is washed out.

• Why is this important? -> For example , some desert plants contain
high concentration of abscisic acid will inhibit the germination. When
there is rainfall ( condition becomes favorable) , water will wash out the
ABA and the seed germinates.
 DROUGHT RESISTANCE
• When the plants begin to wilt , we can say the ABA accumulates in the
leaves.
• When ABA accumulates in leaves , there will be a massive lost of
potassium ion from guard cell. (Recall stomatal opening / closing in
chapter 7)
• Lost of potassium ion causes guard cell to be flaccid ( Water diffuse
by osmosis to subsidiary cell ) – Stomatal closing
• This is good for the plants to fight the drought because transpiration
rate can be reduced.
FAQ SESSION?