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Ethylene

(Science: chemical plant biology) plant growth substance (phytohormone, plant hormone), involved in promoting growth, epinasty, fruit ripening, senescence and breaking of dormancy. Its action is closely linked with that of auxin. A flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic.Ethylene is a type of hydrocarbon that can act as a plant hormone. In plants, it prevents cells from elongating and promotes leaf Abscission, while sometimes being responsible for the ripening of fruit.