Answer: Stimulating cell elongation and division in the stem internodes.
- A Inhibiting cell division in the apical meristem entirely
- B Stimulating cell elongation and division in the stem internodes
- C Causing abscission of the existing leaves on the rosette
- D Triggering immediate seed dormancy in the same plant
Correct answer: B. Stimulating cell elongation and division in the stem internodes
Explanation: Gibberellins promote bolting by stimulating both cell elongation and cell division in stem internodes, causing the characteristic rapid increase in stem length seen in rosette plants before flowering.
Geometric growth (where both daughter cells keep dividing) produces this classic S-shaped curve: a slow lag phase, a rapid exponential phase, and a levelling-off stationary phase as nutrients or space become limiting - the same fundamental pattern seen in population growth.
Concept context
Phases of plant growth, the five classical plant hormones plus newer ones, photoperiodism, vernalization, and seed dormancy.