A researcher creates a mutant pea plant in which cytokinins are overexpressed and gibberellic acid is underexpressed. What is th
e most likely phenotype of this mutant pea plant? A) The pea plant would be taller with more branches compared to wild-type plants. B) The pea plant would be shorter with fewer branches compared to wild-type plants. C) The pea plant would be shorter with more branches compared to wild-type plants. D) The pea plant would be taller with fewer branches compared to wild-type p
C) The pea plant would be shorter with more branches compared to wild-type plants.
Explanation:
Gibberellic acid stimulates the stem growth by promoting elongation and cell division, so having this compound's gene underexpressed will make the plant shorter. On the other hand, cytokinins are located in young cells, particularly the buds, and stimulates its lateral growth. Having a plant with a overexpressed cytokinins gene will make the plant have more branches compared to wild-type plants.
