Gibberellin
A class of plant hormones that promote stem elongation, seed germination, flowering, and fruit development. Named after the fungus Gibberella that produces them.
Biological Context
Gibberellins break seed dormancy and stimulate germination. They cause dramatic stem elongation—dwarf plant varieties often lack gibberellin production or response. The Green Revolution bred dwarf wheat varieties (low gibberellin response) that put energy into grain rather than stems.
Business Application
Gibberellins signal 'it's time to grow.' Organizations need growth signals too—market opportunities, strategic initiatives, new funding. Like gibberellin-insensitive dwarf plants, some organizations are growth-resistant regardless of favorable signals, putting resources into stability rather than expansion.