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General Science›Ch 3: Biology›Plant Physiology

3.3

Plant Physiology

5 min

Master Photosynthesis, Transpiration and Plant Hormones for Competitive Exams

1

Golden Rule of Plant Physiology

Plants depend on precise physiological processes like photosynthesis for energy, transpiration for water movement, and hormones for growth regulation. Mastering these mechanisms is essential for cracking SSC, Railway, and Defence science questions.

2

Why This Topic Matters

  • Direct 2-3 questions appear in SSC and Railway exams.
  • High conceptual clarity required for Defence and Police exams.
  • Links botany concepts with everyday agricultural applications.

Memory Hooks

  • Auxin = Apex (controls apical dominance and tip growth).
  • Ethylene = Exit (gaseous hormone for fruit ripening and shedding).
  • ABA = Away/Absent (Abscisic acid causes stress closure and dormancy).
3

Plant Hormone Quick Sheet

HormonePrimary FunctionKey Note
AuxinCell elongation, Apical dominanceDiscovered by Darwin
GibberellinStem elongation, Seed germinationBolting effect
CytokininCell division, Delay agingWorks with auxin
EthyleneFruit ripeningGaseous hormone
4

Physiology Visual Maps

Photosynthesis

(Light energy to food)

Photosynthesis: Light energy to food

Light energy to food

Occurs in chloroplasts using carbon dioxide and water.

Transpiration

(Water loss via stomata)

Transpiration: Water loss via stomata

Water loss via stomata

Creates an upward suction pull for mineral transport.

Abscisic Acid

(Stress hormone regulator)

Abscisic Acid: Stress hormone regulator

Stress hormone regulator

Closes stomata rapidly during drought conditions.

Phototropism

(Bending towards light)

Phototropism: Bending towards light

Bending towards light

Auxin redistributes to the shaded side causing stem curvature.

5

Exam Traps & Pitfalls

Ethylene is a liquid hormoneEthylene is a gaseous hormone

Always remember ethylene is unique for being a gas at room temperature.

ABA promotes plant growthABA is a growth inhibitor

Abscisic acid inhibits growth, promotes dormancy, and closes stomata.

Transpiration cools the soilTranspiration cools the plant leaf

Evaporative water loss cools the leaf surface, protecting plant proteins.

6

Exam Practice Test

Q1.Which plant hormone is gaseous in nature and promotes fruit ripening?

Q2.Which hormone is primarily responsible for inducing stomatal closure during water stress?

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