Question

Write any six important functions of auxins.

Answer 1

Plant hormones are the type of signaling molecules that are produced by the plants. These hormones are involved in a number of different physiological roles and control the various growth aspects of the plant. Auxin is a type of plant hormone.

Complete answer:
Auxin is a class of plant hormones that possess morphogen-like characteristics. They play a pivotal role in the coordination of several growth and behavioral processes in the plant. It is essential for the proper growth and development of the plant. It is present in all parts of the plant in small amounts.
Auxin helps in the development of plants at all levels which eventually affects the complete physiological functions of the plant. The main functions of auxin in the plants can be summarized as follows:
-Auxin promotes the development and root formation in the plants. It induces both the growth of the existing as well as lateral root branching. The high concentration of auxin inhibits root elongation and results in the adventitious root formation.
-Auxin is known to induce shoot apical dominance. It inhibits the development of the axillary buds by initiation in the process of ethylene synthesis which causes inhibition of their growth. When the apex part of the plant is removed, the inhibitory effects are removed which allows the development of the lateral buds.
-It takes part in the cell elongation process by stimulating the wall loosening factors. The cell wall loosening factors are the elastin which works to lose the cell walls. It promotes the cell division in plants and helps in development of roots and stems. Along with other hormones, it induces stem elongation.
-It participates in the response of the plants to external stimuli such as sunlight, water and gravity. Auxin governs the shape and form of the plant body, its response, movements and strength of the body.
-Auxin is important for the growth of fruit and delays fruit senescence. In case auxin transport is disturbed or is present in lower concentration, the development of fruit takes place in an abnormal pattern or gives rise to abnormal morphologies. It also plays an important role in the flowering.
-It also helps in the process of organization and formation of the phloem and xylem. In conditions due to wounding, auxin may induce cell differentiation as well as regeneration of the vascular tissues.

Note: Auxin is considered as one of the most important classes of phytohormones and is required in the plants in small amounts. It plays several important roles in the development of the plants such as effects root formation and stem elongation, induces cell division and shoots apical dominance. In addition to these, it affects the response to stimuli, wound response and promotes flowering and fruiting in the plants.