Gibberellic acid

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A plant hormone that promotes growth and development


Gibberellic acid (GA) is a naturally occurring plant hormone belonging to the gibberellin family. It plays a crucial role in various developmental processes in plants, including seed germination, stem elongation, leaf expansion, and flowering.

Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]

Gibberellic acid is a diterpenoid compound with the chemical formula C₁₉H₂₂O₆. It is one of the most well-studied gibberellins and is often used in agricultural practices to enhance plant growth.

Biosynthesis[edit | edit source]

Gibberellic acid is synthesized in plants from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) through a series of enzymatic reactions. The biosynthesis occurs primarily in young tissues, such as developing seeds, young leaves, and root tips.

Functions in Plants[edit | edit source]

Gibberellic acid is involved in several key physiological processes:

Seed Germination[edit | edit source]

GA promotes the germination of seeds by breaking seed dormancy and stimulating the production of enzymes that degrade stored food reserves in the seed.

Stem Elongation[edit | edit source]

One of the most notable effects of gibberellic acid is its ability to promote stem elongation. It stimulates cell division and elongation, leading to increased plant height.

Leaf Expansion[edit | edit source]

Gibberellic acid facilitates leaf expansion by promoting cell growth and division, resulting in larger leaf size.

Flowering[edit | edit source]

GA influences the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, thereby inducing flowering in certain plant species.

Applications in Agriculture[edit | edit source]

Gibberellic acid is widely used in agriculture to improve crop yields and quality. It is applied to:

  • Enhance fruit size and quality in crops like grapes and citrus.
  • Promote uniform seed germination and seedling growth.
  • Increase the malting quality of barley by stimulating enzyme production.

Safety and Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]

Gibberellic acid is considered safe for use in agriculture when applied according to recommended guidelines. It is biodegradable and does not accumulate in the environment.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD