PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Ethylene
Explanation
Ethylene is the gas safely and commercially used for the artificial ripening of green fruits. It is actually a natural plant hormone that triggers the ripening process in climacteric fruits like bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. While Calcium Carbide (which produces Acetylene gas) was traditionally used, it is banned in many countries including India due to its carcinogenic and highly toxic properties. Thus, Ethylene is the correct scientific choice.
Key Points
- > Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone.
- > Its chemical formula is C2H4.
- > It regulates the ripening of fruits both naturally and artificially.
- > Calcium carbide generates Acetylene gas (C2H2) when it reacts with moisture to ripen fruits, but it's hazardous and banned.
- > Methane (CH4) is the primary component of natural gas and biogas.
- > Auxin, Gibberellin, and Cytokinin are other plant hormones involved in growth.
- > Ethylene promotes the conversion of starch to sugars in fruits.
Additional Information
Plant Hormones and Their Functions
| Hormone Name | Primary Function | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Ethylene | Ripens fruits naturally and artificially | Gaseous |
| Auxin | Apical dominance, stem elongation | Growth Promoter |
| Gibberellin | Breaks seed dormancy | Growth Promoter |
| Cytokinin | Cell division and delay of aging | Growth Promoter |
| Abscisic Acid | Causes leaf/fruit fall, stress response | Growth Inhibitor |
Memory Tips
- E for Eat: Ripe fruits are ready to Eat. Ethylene is the hormone that ripens them.