Abscisic acid generally acts to

Abscisic acid generally acts to

• A. Promote germination
• B. Inhibit growth and slow processes
• C. Promote flowering
• D. Accelerate fruit ripening

Answer: (B)

Abscisic acid acts as a signal that slows growth and promotes dormancy, especially under stress. When conditions are harsh, its levels rise to help the plant conserve water and energy: it closes stomata to reduce transpiration and delays growth-related processes. In seeds, ABA induces dormancy and prevents germination until conditions improve. This counteracts growth-promoting hormones like gibberellins, which encourage germination and expansion, and it doesn’t drive flowering or fruit ripening (those processes involve other hormones like gibberellins and ethylene). So the overall effect is to inhibit growth and slow physiological activities.

Abscisic acid acts as a signal that slows growth and promotes dormancy, especially under stress. When conditions are harsh, its levels rise to help the plant conserve water and energy: it closes stomata to reduce transpiration and delays growth-related processes. In seeds, ABA induces dormancy and prevents germination until conditions improve. This counteracts growth-promoting hormones like gibberellins, which encourage germination and expansion, and it doesn’t drive flowering or fruit ripening (those processes involve other hormones like gibberellins and ethylene). So the overall effect is to inhibit growth and slow physiological activities.