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Gibberellic Acid (also known as GA, Gibberellin A3, GA3, or Gibberellic Acid 3) is a simple gibberellin, a type of plant hormone that stimulates plant growth and influences various developmental processes, including stem elongation, germination, dormancy, flowering, sex expression, enzyme induction, and leaf and fruit senescence.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Gibberellic Acid is a tetracyclic diterpene acid. It is a white to pale-yellow solid with the molecular formula C19H22O6. It is soluble in alcohol, acetone, and ethyl acetate, but insoluble in water at room temperature. It is stable under normal storage conditions, but it is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture.

Biosynthesis and Metabolism

Gibberellic Acid is produced in plants by the biosynthesis pathway, which involves the conversion of geranylgeranyl diphosphate to ent-kaurene, which is then oxidized by the enzyme ent-kaurene oxidase to form ent-kaurenoic acid, which is finally converted to GA by gibberellin 3-beta-dioxygenase.

Role in Plant Growth and Development

Gibberellic Acid plays a crucial role in promoting plant growth and development. It stimulates cell division and cell elongation, leading to taller plants with longer internodes. It also promotes seed germination by breaking dormancy and stimulating the production of alpha-amylase, which breaks down the stored starch in the seed into glucose for the growing plant.

Commercial Use

Commercially, Gibberellic Acid is used in agriculture and horticulture to increase the yield of crops, promote flowering, and increase the size of fruits. It is also used in brewing to speed up the malting process.

Safety and Environmental Impact

While Gibberellic Acid is generally considered safe for use in agriculture, excessive use can lead to abnormal plant growth and reduced fruit quality. It is also toxic to aquatic organisms and can have a negative impact on the environment if not used responsibly.

See Also

• Plant hormone
• Germination
• Dormancy
• Agriculture
• Horticulture