APICAL DOMINANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Apical dominance refers to the phenomenon observed in plants where the main, central stem, called the apical bud or terminal bud, inhibits the growth of lateral buds or side shoots. It is a physiological process that regulates the direction and extent of plant growth.
The apical bud releases hormones, specifically auxins, which move downward through the stem and actively suppress the growth of lateral buds located lower on the plant. These auxins inhibit cellular division and elongation in the lateral buds, preventing them from developing into branches or new shoots. As a result, the apical bud continues to grow longer, while the lateral buds remain dormant or grow at a slower rate.
The purpose of apical dominance is to ensure the upward growth of the main stem in order to maximize access to sunlight and resources. By concentrating growth in the apical bud, the plant can develop a central, dominant leader that can compete for light and space. This helps the plant maintain an efficient and functional structure.
Apical dominance can be regulated by various environmental factors, such as light intensity, nutrient availability, and pruning. By removing the apical bud through pruning, for example, the growth-inhibiting auxins are removed, which subsequently stimulates lateral bud growth and branching.
Understanding the concept of apical dominance is crucial in horticulture and agriculture, as it helps in shaping plant architecture, training fruit trees, and promoting desired growth patterns in crops.
Common Misspellings for APICAL DOMINANCE
- zpical dominance
- spical dominance
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- qpical dominance
- aoical dominance
- alical dominance
- a0ical dominance
- apucal dominance
- apjcal dominance
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- apixal dominance
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Etymology of APICAL DOMINANCE
The word "apical" comes from the Latin word "apex" which means "top" or "tip". The word "dominance" comes from the Latin word "dominus" which means "master" or "ruler". Therefore, "apical dominance" refers to the control or suppression of lateral growth by the growth of the tip or uppermost part of a plant.
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