Summary
Auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, abscisic acid and ethylene regulate growth, development and responses.
In depth
Auxin: cell elongation, apical dominance. Gibberellins: stem growth, germination. Cytokinins: cell division, delay senescence. Abscisic acid: dormancy, stomatal closure. Ethylene: fruit ripening, leaf abscission.
Hormone effects depend on concentration, tissue sensitivity and interactions. Auxin:cytokinin ratios control root versus shoot formation in culture. Hormones are used in agriculture as herbicides (2,4-D), fruit ripening agents and rooting powders.
Remember: plant hormones are not produced in specialised glands.
Frequently asked questions
What is Plant Hormones?
Auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, abscisic acid and ethylene regulate growth, development and responses.
Which area of biology covers Plant Hormones, and how advanced is it?
Plant Hormones is one of the 56 topics in Plant Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Apical Dominance, Fruits, Abscisic Acid and Drought.
Can you give an example of Plant Hormones?
Rooting powder contains auxin to encourage roots on cuttings.
What should I learn before Plant Hormones?
Work through the Beginner topics in Plant Biology first, such as Plant Kingdom, Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll, then return to Plant Hormones. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Plant Hormones?
The closest topics to Plant Hormones are Apical Dominance, Fruits, Abscisic Acid and Drought, Plant Tissue Culture. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Plant Hormones?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Plant Hormones. To practise the whole of Plant Biology, use the Plant Biology quiz.
How is Plant Hormones different from Apical Dominance?
Plant Hormones: Auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, abscisic acid and ethylene regulate growth, development and responses. Apical Dominance: The terminal bud suppresses lateral buds through auxin, shaping plant architecture. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Plant Hormones step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Apical Dominance and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Plant Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.