Apical Dominance

Question 1

explain the steps of apical dominance?

Answer 1

• Apical bud at the top of the stem produces auxin e.g. IAA
• auxins promote growth at the apical bud
• auxin inhibits growth of the lateral buds
• plant grows taller and doesn’t compete with itself
• apical bud is dominant over lateral bud
• auxin concentration decreases with distances from apical bud -> lateral buds further from apical bud are less inhibited

Question 2

what happens if we remove the apical bud?

Answer 2

-if the apical bud is removed, less auxin is made
- lateral buds are not inhibited
-> start to develop
- becomes bushy
- if auxin is added to top of of cut stem
- apical dominance continues