What is the name of the phenomenon where the terminal bud suppresses the growth of lateral buds?

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Multiple Choice

What is the name of the phenomenon where the terminal bud suppresses the growth of lateral buds?

Explanation:
Apical dominance explains this pattern. The tip of the shoot (the terminal bud) produces the hormone auxin, which travels downward through the stem and suppresses the growth of axillary (lateral) buds. This keeps the plant growing mainly upward rather than branching. If the terminal bud is removed or its signal is reduced, the suppression lifts and lateral buds can grow, making the plant bushier. While auxin is the key player, other hormones like cytokinins and strigolactones modulate how strongly the lateral buds are inhibited.

Apical dominance explains this pattern. The tip of the shoot (the terminal bud) produces the hormone auxin, which travels downward through the stem and suppresses the growth of axillary (lateral) buds. This keeps the plant growing mainly upward rather than branching. If the terminal bud is removed or its signal is reduced, the suppression lifts and lateral buds can grow, making the plant bushier. While auxin is the key player, other hormones like cytokinins and strigolactones modulate how strongly the lateral buds are inhibited.

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