Question

Elicitors are molecules that

• A. Induce cell division
• B. Stimulate production of secondary metabolites
• C. Stimulate hairy root formation that accumulate secondary metabolites
• D. None of these

Hint:

Elicitors \textbf{do not cause cell division}; they \textbf{enhance secondary metabolite production} as part of plant defense responses.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Elicitors are chemical or biological molecules that trigger defense responses in plants.
Step 2: These molecules activate specific signaling pathways, leading to the enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics.
Step 3: Secondary metabolites play roles in plant defense against pathogens and herbivores and are widely exploited in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Step 4: Hairy root formation is induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes, not by elicitors themselves; hence option (C) is incorrect.