Senescence is the process of aging in plants, where cells and tissues degrade over time. It results in the eventual death of certain parts or the entire plant, impacting reproduction and survival.
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Senescence can be triggered by environmental factors such as drought, nutrient deficiency, or seasonal changes.
Hormones like ethylene and abscisic acid play a significant role in initiating senescence in plants.
During senescence, plants often recycle nutrients from aging tissues to younger ones, aiding new growth.
Leaf senescence is closely related to chlorophyll breakdown, resulting in yellowing leaves.
Senescence can affect asexual reproduction by reducing the overall vitality and reproductive capacity of the plant.
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Related terms
Apoptosis: A programmed cell death process essential for removing damaged or unnecessary cells.