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32
While experimentation, why do you think it is difficult to assign any affect seen to any single hormone?
Explanation
Phytohormones are synthesised by plant cells, itself and individually. These are auxin, GA, ABA ethylene and cytokinin. There is not a separate system of their translocation in plants. So, their effects on plants are also inter mixed. e.g., many effects of auxins GA shows the same function. Similarly, ethylene and ABA support each other for many roles in plants. Secondly, effects of phytohormone in vitro and in vivo will also be different.
33
What is the mechanism underlying the phenomenon by which the terminal/apical bud suppresses the growth of lateral buds? Suggest measures to overcome this phenomenon.
Explanation
The phenomenon by which apical bud suppress the growth of lateral buds is known as apical dominance. It is caused due to release of plant hormone auxin from apical duds. It can be overcome either by the spray of cytokinin, that promotes the growth of lateral buds or by trimming of bushes which remove apical buds and allow lateral buds to grow.
34
In animals, there are special glands secreting hormones, whereas there are no glands in plants. Where are plant hormones formed? How are the hormones translocated to the site of activity?
Explanation

The plant hormones are synthesised by the plant cells individually accordingly and when needed. Few hormones are specifically synthesised at a particular plant part, like auxin synthesised in growing shoot apices.

Ethylene is emitted by ripened fruits. Cytokinin is found in dividing cells. Unlike plants animal being more advanced, and organised they have proper hormone secreting glands and organs.

In both plant and animals these are transported through the transport system of their body. In plants, hormones are translocated via xylem and phloem to the site of activity.

35
Many discoveries in science have been accidental. This is true for plant hormones also. Can you justify this statement by giving an example? Also what term is used for such accidental findings?
Explanation

Discovery of plant hormone gibberellins was made by chance. It happened by chance in rice fields. A few plants of rice were observed, which were unusually taller than the normal ones. Scientific investigation revealed, that these were infected with a fungus, known as Gibberella fufikuroi. This fungus releases a plant hormone gibberellic acid in excess concentrations which made the plant to grow unusually tall. This compound was later known as gibberellin is hormones present in all plants.

The term used for accidental finding is Serendipity which means fortunate happenstance. It was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754. He explained it as making discoveries, by accident and sagacity, of things, which were hot in quest of.

36
To get a carpet-like grass lawns are mowed regularly. Is there any scientific explanation for this?
Explanation
Regular mowing (cutting at apex) of lawn grass removes the apical portion of the plant which causes the lateral branches to grow faster. As the apical buds inhibits growth of lateral buds by releasing auxin, the phenomenon called apical dominance. Because of mowing of the grass, it becomes bushy and growth is faster. So, as to make evenness of the grass (carpet-like) in the lawn this practice is followed regularly to overcome the problem of apical dominance.