What is napthalene acetic acid ( NAA) ?

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA):**
Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) is a synthetic plant hormone that belongs to the class of auxins. Auxins are crucial for various plant growth processes.

2. **Chemical Structure:**
NAA is derived from naphthalene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and has an acetic acid functional group. Its chemical formula is C12H10O2.

3. **Role in Plant Growth:**
NAA plays a significant role in promoting root formation, enhancing fruit development, and regulating plant growth. It is commonly used in horticulture and agriculture to stimulate root growth in cuttings and to promote fruit set.

4. **Applications:**
- **Rooting Hormone:** NAA is often used in rooting powders to encourage the growth of roots in plant cuttings.
- **Fruit Development:** It helps in the development of seedless fruits and can improve fruit size and quality.
- **Weed Control:** NAA can also be used as a herbicide to control certain types of weeds.

5. **Mechanism of Action:**
NAA works by influencing cell elongation and division, which leads to various growth responses in plants. It affects processes such as apical dominance, fruit drop, and flowering.

6. **Comparison with Other Auxins:**
NAA is one of several auxins, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Each auxin has unique properties and applications, but they all play a role in regulating plant growth and development.