Question

Which of the following effects of auxin is of wide application.
A. Induction of fruit development
B. Induction of root initiation
C. Prevention of abscission
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Auxin is a type of plant growth regulator. The signal molecules produced within the plant in extremely low quantity which is required for the proper growth and development of the plant are called plant hormones. The plant hormone auxin plays an important role in the regulation of growth and development of the plant and other important behavioral processes.

Complete answer: Plant hormones are also called phytohormones. Different classes of plant hormones are abscisic acid, auxins, cytokinin, ethylene, gibberellin, salicylic acid, and many more. The plant hormone auxin is used for agriculture and horticulture. During the process of plant propagation, auxin is used to initiate rooting in stem cuttings. Auxins also perform the role of promoting flowering in plants. Abscission of older mature fruits and leaves is regulated by the hormone auxin. It also prevents the leaf and fruit from dropping at the early stage. The growing apical buds in most higher plants inhibit the growth of axillary buds. This phenomenon is called apical dominance. Decapitation which involves the removal of shoot tips usually results in the growth of axillary buds. The process of parthenocarpy is induced by auxin. Auxin has characteristics similar to morphogens. Therefore, all of the functions of auxin mentioned in the above options are used in wide applications.
So, option D is the correct option.

Note: Each cell of the plant is capable of producing plant hormones. Another important role of auxin is, it is used as an herbicide to destroy the dicotyledonous weeds. Auxins are used by gardeners to prepare weed-free lawns. Auxin is responsible for the cell division in the plants and also regulates the function of xylem differentiation.