AQA new specification-Plant responses and using plant hormones-B11.9-B11.10

This lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1) for my separates class (Year 10-KS4). I taught this lesson after the required germination practical. Includes: slide animations, embedded video and practice questions with mark scheme. This resource is for separates ONLY. *NOTE-using plant hormones-Higher tier only*

AQA spec link: 5.4.1, 5.4.2
Relevant chapter: B11.9/10- AQA Biology third edition textbook-Page 176-179

*The new specification requires students to know the following;

Plants produce hormones to coordinate and control growth and responses: to light, phototropism; and gravity, gravitropism (geotropism). Unequal distributions of auxin cause unequal growth rates in plant roots and shoots.
Gibberellins are important in initiating seed germination. Ethene controls cell division and ripening of fruits. The mechanisms of how gibberellins and ethene work are not required.

Students should be able to describe the effects of some plant hormones and the different ways people use them to control plant growth. Plant growth hormones are used in agriculture and horticulture.

Auxins are used as:
• as weed killers
• as rooting powders
• for promoting growth in tissue culture.

Ethene is used in the food industry to control ripening of fruit during storage and transport.

Gibberellins can be used to:
• end seed dormancy
• promote flowering
• increase fruit size.