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Question #45997
The Question
A winter variety of wheat is treated with Gibberellic acid (GA) and sown in spring without any prior exposure to low temperatures. Based on the distinct molecular mechanisms of seed dormancy and vernalization, what will be the most likely developmental outcome for this crop?
Options
- A.
The seeds will germinate due to GA-mediated degradation of DELLA repressors, but the plants will fail to flower as the requirement for epigenetic silencing of flowering repressors was not met.
- B.
The seeds will fail to germinate because GA cannot induce alpha-amylase activity without the prior cold-induced activation of the Flowering Locus C (FLC).
- C.
The seeds will germinate and flower normally in the same season because GA acts as a complete physiological substitute for vernalization in all winter varieties.
- D.
The seeds will remain dormant because vernalization is an absolute prerequisite for breaking seed dormancy in winter varieties, independent of GA levels.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
GA_Bio-synthesis|Cold_Treatment|FLC_Gene_Expression
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often conflate the cold requirement for breaking seed dormancy (which can be chemically bypassed by GA) with the cold requirement for vernalization (which requires specific epigenetic changes for flowering competence).
The trap lies in assuming that initiating germination automatically guarantees the completion of the entire life cycle, ignoring the distinct molecular checkpoints for vegetative versus reproductive phases.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Plant Growth and Development - Class 11 |
| Concept | Seed Dormancy Breaking |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |