Abscisins

/æbˈsɪsɪnz/ noun

Definition

Plant hormones that regulate growth, stress responses, and the shedding of leaves and fruit; abscisic acid compounds.

Etymology

From Latin abscidere (to cut off) + -in (chemical suffix). These compounds were named for their role in causing abscission, the natural detachment of plant parts like autumn leaves.

Kelly Says

When leaves fall in autumn, abscisins are the chemical signal telling trees 'it's time to let go'—these molecules are how plants communicate the seasons internally, thousands of times per plant per year.

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