Auxin suppresses growth of

Options

A. Lateral axillary buds
B. Apical buds
C. Roots on stem cuttings
D. Parthenocarpy.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Auxin**: Auxin is a plant hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development. It is primarily produced in the tips of shoots and is responsible for various growth processes.

2. **Identifying the Phenomenon of Apical Dominance**: Apical dominance refers to the phenomenon where the central stem (apical bud) of a plant grows more vigorously than the lateral (axillary) buds. This is a common characteristic in many plants.

3. **Role of Auxin in Apical Dominance**: Auxin promotes the growth of the apical bud while simultaneously inhibiting the growth of lateral axillary buds. This means that when auxin levels are high in the plant, the lateral buds remain suppressed.

4. **Cytokinin's Role**: Cytokinins are another class of plant hormones that can counteract the effects of auxin. They promote the growth of lateral buds and can break apical dominance, allowing the lateral buds to grow.

5. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Lateral Axillary Buds**: Suppressed by auxin.
- **Apical Buds**: Promoted by auxin.
- **Roots on Stem Cuttings**: Auxin does not suppress their growth.
- **Parthenocarpy**: The formation of fruit without fertilization, which is not influenced by auxin suppression.

6. **Conclusion**: Given the information about auxin's role in promoting apical buds and suppressing lateral axillary buds, the correct answer to the question "Auxin suppresses growth of" is **lateral axillary buds**.

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