What Is Gibberellin?
Gibberellin, with the chemical formula C19H22O6, is a collective term for plant hormones involved in plant growth, discovered by Eiichi Kurosawa and crystallized and structurally determined by Teijiro Yabuta. There are over 100 substances classified as gibberellins, and the number continues to grow.
At room temperature, gibberellin appears as a white powder and significantly impacts stem elongation, germination, flowering, and meristem enlargement in plants. It is being researched for potential applications in addressing food crises and energy depletion.
Uses of Gibberellin
Gibberellin plays a vital role in plant growth and development and is predominantly used in agriculture to control crop growth.
- Growth Promotion: Gibberellin enhances cell elongation and proliferation, boosting stem-and-leaf growth and overall plant development.
- Breaking Dormancy: It plays a crucial role during the seed dormancy period, aiding in breaking dormancy and advancing the onset of the growing season.
- Promoting Mono-fructification: Gibberellin facilitates mono-fruiting, beneficial for breeding and seed genetic modification.
- Flowering Promotion: It advances the flowering process in plants, allowing for control over flowering time and enhancing flower quality.
Properties of Gibberellin
Gibberellin is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and DMSO. It is sensitive to acidic conditions, light, oxygen, and heat. Therefore, it should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation.
As a crucial plant growth hormone, gibberellin is utilized in plant growth and development research, agriculture, and horticulture. Its physiological effects include promoting elongation and growth, breaking dormancy, inducing amylase, and stimulating flower bud formation and flowering.
Structure of Gibberellin
Gibberellin is a terpenoid compound with a azicene-diterpene skeleton, consisting of five rings. Four of these rings form a cyclopentanopentaene skeleton, and one forms a cyclohexanone skeleton. Its structure includes three hydroxyl groups and two carboxyl groups.
Other Information on Gibberellin
How Gibberellin Is Produced
Gibberellin is produced either naturally from plants or through industrial chemical synthesis and microbial fermentation.
Chemical Synthesis Method: Starting with cyclohexanone, a cyclopentanopentaene skeleton is generated, followed by oxidation and acylation to synthesize gibberellin.
Microbial Fermentation Method: Actinomycetes and molds are cultured to produce gibberellin as a metabolite. This method, however, results in lower purity and more complicated production processes.