What are plant hormones?
Q: What are plant hormones?
A: Plant hormones, also known as phytohormones, are chemicals that regulate plant growth. In the UK they are called 'plant growth substances'.
Q: What is the best known plant hormone?
A: The best known plant hormone is auxin.
Q: How do plants produce hormones?
A: Plant hormones are signal molecules produced within the plant and occur in extremely low concentrations. Individual cells can produce hormones.
Q: What do plant hormones regulate?
A: Hormones regulate cellular processes in targeted cells and govern the formation of flowers, stems, leaves, the shedding of leaves, and the development and ripening of fruit.
Q: Are there any other organisms that have similar functions for their own phytohormones?
A: Yes, phytohormones are found not only in higher plants but also in algae with similar functions. They also occur in fungi and bacteria where they may be used to induce beneficial reactions in host plants.
Q: Why are plant hormones so important to a growing organism?
A: Plant hormones are vital to plant growth as they allow for differentiation between different types of tissues which would otherwise remain undifferentiated if lacking them.
