Download Teaching Tools in Plant Biology 12 – Abscisic Acid – Study

Teaching Tools in Plant Biology 12 – Abscisic Acid – Study Questions
Here are some study questions that pertain to the content of the Teaching Tool on Abscisic Acid
(TTPB12). These questions can be assigned to students as homework, discussed by students in tutorials
or during lectures, used to help study for an exam, or even used on an exam.
Which of these is best describes ABA’s function:
a) To promote cell division at the shoot apical meristem
b) To prevent desiccation
c) To promote seed germination
d) To coordinate developmental patterning
e) To protect plants from pathogens
What is a common method by which ABA is inactivated when no longer needed (e.g. when a
dried plant is rehydrated)?
What is the molecular basis by which uniconazole both promotes drought tolerance and inhibits
growth?
Partial rootzone drying (PRD) is an irrigation method that reduces the amount of water needed
for crop production. How does PRD work?
True or false – As a weak acid, ABA easily moves from cytoplasm to cell wall, but requires a
transporter to move from cell wall to the cytoplasm.
PYR1, ABI1 and PP2Cs form a core signaling module for some ABA responses.
i)
What function does each of these proteins have?
ii)
Draw the relationships and interactions between these three proteins in the presence
and absence of ABA.
(Circle the correct word): An ABA insensitive plant will often be COOLER / WARMER than a
normal control plant. Explain your answer.
A snrk2.2/3/6 triple mutant is highly ABA insensitive. What are two prominant features of the
phenotype of the triple mutant?
One class of phosphorylation targets for SNRKs are believed to be ABA-regulated transcription
factors. Describe two different methods that resulted in the identification of these classes of
transcription factors. Be as specific as you can about the experimental approaches used.
True or false – Osmosis does not occur in plant cells because of their rigid cell walls.
True or False – Transpiration through stomatal pores is regulated by the movement of ions into
and out of guard cells.
Which of the following best describes the activity of calcium in guard cells?
a) In response to ABA, calcium is pumped out of the cytoplasm into the cell wall
b) In response to ABA, calcium is degraded by targeted proteolysis
c) In response to ABA, calcium is released into the cytoplasm from internal and external
stores
d) In response to ABA, calcium is synthesized de novo by gene activation
How does ABA affect the growth of plant roots? Give two examples.
Describe one response that enhances cellular viability during drought stress.
What is the phenotype of a viviparous mutant?
Fill in the blank – guard cells respond to the presence of bacteria by __________.
A major objective of plant breeders is to develop drought-tolerant plants. Some varieties of
drought tolerant plants do not produce high yields. Describe why in some cases droughttolerance and high yields seem incompatible.