The term auxin is derived from the Greek word auxein which means to grow. Compounds are generally considered auxins if they can be characterized by their ability to induce cell elongation in stems and otherwise resemble indoleacetic acid (the first auxin isolated) in physiological activity. Auxins usually affect other processes in addition to cell elongation of stem cells but this characteristic is considered critical of all auxins and thus “helps” define the hormone.
The following are some of the responses that auxin is known to cause;
- Stimulates cell elongation
- Stimulates cell division in the cambium and, in combination with cytokinins in tissue culture
- Stimulates differentiation of phloem and xylem
- Stimulates root initiation on stem cuttings and lateral root development in tissue culture
- Mediates the tropistic response of bending in response to gravity and light
- The auxin supply from the apical bud suppresses growth of lateral buds
- Delays leaf senescence
- Can inhibit or promote (via ethylene stimulation) leaf and fruit abscission
- Can induce fruit setting and growth in some plants
- Involved in assimilate movement toward auxin possibly by an effect on phloem transport
- Delays fruit ripening
- Promotes flowering in Bromeliads
- Stimulates growth of flower parts
- Promotes (via ethylene production) femaleness in dioecious flowers
- Stimulates the production of ethylene at high concentrations
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