Kaasuhormoni

Kaasuhormoni, often translated as gas hormone, is a term used in some contexts to refer to ethylene. Ethylene (C2H4) is a plant hormone that plays a crucial role in various aspects of plant growth and development. It is a simple hydrocarbon gas that is naturally produced by plants.

The primary functions of ethylene include promoting fruit ripening, senescence (aging of plant tissues), and abscission (the shedding of leaves, flowers, or fruits). For example, fruits like bananas and tomatoes release ethylene as they ripen, which in turn accelerates the ripening process of surrounding fruits. This is why storing ripe fruit in a bag can cause it to spoil faster.

Ethylene also influences plant responses to stress. It can be produced in response to environmental challenges such as drought, wounding, or pathogen attack. In some cases, ethylene can promote defense mechanisms in plants.

The production and action of ethylene are tightly regulated within plant tissues. It is synthesized from the amino acid methionine. Its effects are dose-dependent, meaning that different concentrations can elicit different responses. Understanding ethylene's role is important in agriculture, particularly for managing fruit storage, post-harvest quality, and plant growth.