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Ch. 39 - Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals
Chapter 39, Problem 2

Auxin enhances cell elongation in all of these ways except a. increased uptake of solutes. b. gene activation. c. acid-induced denaturation of cell wall proteins. d. cell wall loosening.

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1
Identify the primary function of auxin in plant cells, which is to promote cell elongation and growth.
Understand that auxin achieves this by various mechanisms including increasing the plasticity of the cell wall, activating specific genes, and facilitating the uptake of solutes into the cells.
Review the concept of acid growth theory, which explains how auxin can lead to cell wall loosening by activating proton pumps that lower the pH, making the cell wall more extensible.
Analyze the options given in the question to determine which one does not directly contribute to cell elongation. Recall that denaturation typically refers to the loss of structure and function in proteins, which is not a process directly promoted by auxin for cell elongation.
Conclude that the option involving 'acid-induced denaturation of cell wall proteins' is not a mechanism by which auxin enhances cell elongation, as auxin primarily works by loosening the cell wall through pH changes rather than by denaturing proteins.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Auxin Function

Auxin is a plant hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating growth and development. It promotes cell elongation by influencing various physiological processes, including cell wall flexibility and solute uptake. Understanding how auxin functions helps clarify its role in plant growth responses.
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Cell Wall Loosening

Cell wall loosening is a process that allows plant cells to expand and elongate. Auxin facilitates this by activating enzymes that modify cell wall components, making them more pliable. This is essential for growth, particularly in response to environmental stimuli.
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Gene Activation

Gene activation refers to the process by which specific genes are turned on to produce proteins that facilitate various cellular functions. In the context of auxin, it can lead to the synthesis of proteins that promote cell elongation and growth. Understanding gene activation is vital for comprehending how auxin influences plant development.
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