The N-terminal domain of the receptor protein is responsible for binding of ethylene. The intracellular portion of the protein is a protein kinase which is activated upon binding of ethylene. One such early gene is itself a transcriptional activator that induces late genes. They may encode for proteins involved in pathogen defense. Or they may encode for proteins required for other ethylene responses.
Ethylene acts as a negative regulator of the signaling pathway.
This means, that the signal pathway is turned on in the absence of ethylene and is shut down when ethylene is present. Shutting down of the pathway induces an ethylene response. Inhibitors Inhibitors are frequently used to study biosynthesis of ethylene and ethylene activity. NBD is more specific as compared to silver ions. Responses Ethylene promotes maturation and abscission of fruits.