Ethylene induces a variety of effects in plant metabolism, some of which are as follows

Ethylene is a gas and is produced in minor quantities by plant tissues. It is synthesized in ripening fruits, leaves, flowers, stems, roots, tubers and seeds. It is synthesized in the plant from the amino acid methionine. Ethylene induces a variety of effects in plant metabolism, some of which are as follows.

(1) Induces ripening of fruits.

(2) Induces elongation of cells but orients them from longitudinal to radial direction.

(3) Stimulates germination of seeds.

(4) Promotes leaf abscission

(5) Induces root hair formation

(6) Induces epinastic and geotropic movements in plants.