Question:

Which of the following amino acids is responsible for synthesis of ethylene in plants?

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Remember the ethylene biosynthesis sequence:
Methionine \(\rightarrow\) SAM \(\rightarrow\) ACC \(\rightarrow\) Ethylene.
Inhibiting the ACC synthase or ACC oxidase enzymes is a key biotech strategy used to delay ripening and extend the shelf-life of climacteric fruits during transport.
  • Phenylalanine
  • Arginine
  • Methionine
  • Lysine
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ethylene (\(\text{C}_2\text{H}_4\)) is a natural, gaseous phytohormone essential for regulating fruit ripening, senescence, and abscission in plants.
Its biosynthesis follows a highly conserved enzymatic pathway in plant tissues.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

The biosynthesis of ethylene (via the famous Yang Cycle) proceeds as follows:
1. The sulfur-containing essential amino acid Methionine is converted into S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) by the enzyme SAM synthetase.
2. SAM is converted into 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) by ACC synthase (the rate-limiting step).
3. ACC is finally oxidized to ethylene by the enzyme ACC oxidase.
Thus, methionine is the direct amino acid precursor for ethylene synthesis in plants.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The amino acid responsible is Methionine, which corresponds to option (C).
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