apical bud dominance

Answer 1

Apical bud dominance refers to the tendency of the terminal bud at the top of a plant to inhibit the growth of lateral (or axillary) buds lower down on the stem. The apical bud produces hormones called auxins that suppress the growth of nearby lateral buds, resulting in a pyramid-like shape with the main stem growing taller and the side branches suppressed or delayed. This phenomenon allows the plant to allocate more resources to the growth of the main stem, increasing its height and competitive advantage for accessing light. However, if the apical bud is removed (e.g., through pruning or damage), the lateral buds are released from inhibition and can start growing, resulting in the branching and bushier appearance of the plant.