senescence

(noun)

aging of a plant; accumulated damage to macromolecules, cells, tissues, and organs with the passage of time

Related Terms

Examples of senescence in the following topics:

  • Plant Life Spans

    • The aging of a plant and all the associated processes is known as senescence, which is marked by several complex biochemical changes.
    • One of the characteristics of senescence is the breakdown of chloroplasts, which is characterized by the yellowing of leaves .
    • Hormones are known to play a role in senescence.
    • Applications of cytokinins and ethylene delay or prevent senescence; in contrast, abscissic acid causes premature onset of senescence.
    • The autumn color of these Oregon Grape leaves is an example of programmed plant senescence.

  • Auxins, Cytokinins, and Gibberellins

    • Cytokinins are known to delay senescence in leaf tissues, promote mitosis, and stimulate differentiation of the meristem in shoots and roots.
    • Other effects of GAs include gender expression, seedless fruit development, and the delay of senescence in leaves and fruit.

  • Abscisic Acid, Ethylene, and Nontraditional Hormones

    • Aging tissues (especially senescing leaves) and nodes of stems produce ethylene.