The Question is from neet-botany plant-growth-and-development , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

Researchers discover a new plant pigment, 'florigen X,' that they hypothesize is the elusive 'flowering hormone.'  Which experiment would provide the STRONGEST evidence for this hypothesis?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**:  Plant hormone action and the flowering process.
 **Related Topics**: Photoperiodism, grafting, plant physiology, florigen.
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of plant hormones, their mechanisms of action, and experimental design.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
A new pigment, florigen X, is hypothesized to be the flowering hormone.
**Method & Steps**:
The question asks for the strongest evidence supporting the hypothesis that florigen X is the flowering hormone.  Let's analyze each option:

1. **Option A:** Measuring florigen X levels under different light regimes only shows correlation, not causation.  Higher levels might correlate with flowering, but doesn't prove it's the *cause*.
2. **Option B:** Applying florigen X and observing flowering is strong evidence. However, it doesn't rule out other factors contributing to flowering.
3. **Option C:** Showing regulation by phytochrome (a light receptor) is relevant, but doesn't directly prove florigen X *causes* flowering.
4. **Option D:** Grafting a leaf from an induced plant (one that has already flowered) to a non-induced plant and observing flowering in the recipient provides the strongest evidence. If flowering occurs in the recipient plant solely due to the grafted leaf containing florigen X, it strongly implies a causal relationship between florigen X and flowering. This bypasses other potential signaling pathways that might be present in the plant's system. This is a classic experiment used to study the movement of flowering signals.

**Result**: Option D is the most conclusive test.
**Verification**: The experiment controls for other factors affecting flowering by using a grafting approach, isolating the effect of florigen X.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Correlation doesn't equal causation.  Measuring levels doesn't prove it causes flowering.
B :x:  Strong evidence, but doesn't eliminate the possibility of other factors.
C :x:  Important information, but doesn't directly test the causal link between florigen X and flowering.
D ✓:  This experiment directly tests the hypothesis by showing if a flowering signal (presumably florigen X) can be transmitted via grafting to induce flowering in a non-induced plant. This is the most direct and powerful test.
## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing correlation with causation:  Just because two things happen together doesn't mean one causes the other.
  2.Overlooking the power of controlled experiments:  A well-designed experiment eliminates confounding variables to isolate the effect of the variable being tested.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Look for experiments that directly test cause and effect relationships.
  2.Consider the level of control in the experimental design.  The more controlled, the more reliable the results.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Measuring florigen X levels in leaves of plants grown under different light regimes.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Applying purified florigen X to the apical meristem of a non-induced plant and observing flowering.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Demonstrating that florigen X synthesis is regulated by phytochrome.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Grafting a leaf from a photoperiodically induced plant onto a non-induced plant of the same species and observing flowering in the recipient plant."

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