Consider the following statements . Apical dominance in plants
I. Allows plant growth
II. Retards the growth of lateral buds
III. Enhances the growth of lateral buds.
Which of these statement is / are correct ?

Options

A. I alone
B. II alone
C. III alone
D. I and II

Answer

To solve the question regarding apical dominance in plants, we will analyze each statement provided:

### Step 1: Understanding Apical Dominance
Apical dominance refers to the phenomenon where the growth of the main (apical) shoot inhibits the growth of lateral (side) buds. This is primarily regulated by the plant hormone auxin, which is produced at the tip of the shoot.

### Step 2: Evaluating Statement I
**Statement I: Allows plant growth**
- The apical bud (or terminal bud) is responsible for the vertical growth of the plant. It promotes the elongation of the main shoot, which is essential for the plant's overall growth.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is correct.

### Step 3: Evaluating Statement II
**Statement II: Retards the growth of lateral buds**
- The presence of auxin from the apical bud inhibits the growth of lateral buds. This is a key feature of apical dominance.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is also correct.

### Step 4: Evaluating Statement III
**Statement III: Enhances the growth of lateral buds**
- This statement contradicts the concept of apical dominance. The apical bud does not enhance the growth of lateral buds; rather, it inhibits their growth.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is incorrect.

### Final Conclusion
Based on the evaluations:
- Statement I is correct.
- Statement II is correct.
- Statement III is incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is that statements I and II are correct.