Step 1: Concept Overview:
The question requires identifying the plant hormone whose synthesis begins with the amino acid methionine.
Step 2: Detailed Elaboration:
Here's a review of the precursor molecules for major plant hormones:
Auxin (specifically IAA) is mainly synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan.
Gibberellin, a terpenoid, is synthesized from GGPP via the MEP or MVA pathway, not from an amino acid.
Cytokinin derives from the purine base adenine.
Ethylene (C₂H₄), a gaseous hormone, is biosynthesized from the amino acid methionine. Methionine is converted to SAM, then to ACC by ACC synthase, and finally to ethylene by ACC oxidase.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Therefore, ethylene is the plant hormone synthesized from methionine.