Asked by kayla magness on May 02, 2024

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How do auxin and cytokinin work in apical dominance?

Apical Dominance

A growth pattern in plants where the main, central stem grows more vigorously than the other side stems, which are suppressed.

Cytokinin

Plant hormone that promotes cell division in shoot apical meristem and cell differentiation in root apical meristem. Often opposes auxin’s effects.

  • Comprehend the mechanisms of apical dominance and the hormonal interplay involved.
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JM
Julie MyersMay 02, 2024
Final Answer :
When a shoot is lengthening at the tip, its lateral buds are typically dormant, an effect called apical dominance. Auxin maintains apical dominance by regulating production and transport of cytokinin in a stem, and by promoting expression of an enzyme that breaks it down. If a shoot's tip breaks off, its source of auxin disappears, so the cytokinin level rises in the stem. The cytokinin moves into lateral buds and stimulates cell divisions of apical meristem inside them. These newly active meristem cells produce auxin, which is transported away from the bud tips and down the stem. The movement causes the lateral buds to lengthen and form new shoots.