The chemical responsible for plant growth is

Key Points

• Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) is a naturally occurring plant hormone in the auxin family that plays a crucial role in plant growth and development.
• IAA promotes cell elongation, root initiation, and bud growth, making it essential for various plant physiological processes.
• It is involved in the regulation of gene expression and the modulation of cellular activities, which are vital for plant adaptation and growth.
• IAA is synthesized primarily in the shoot apical meristem and young leaves, from where it is transported to other parts of the plant.
• Its balance and distribution within the plant are critical for maintaining proper growth patterns and responses to environmental stimuli.

Additional Information

• Auxins, including IAA, are also used in agricultural practices to promote rooting in cuttings and to regulate fruit development.
• Synthetic auxins, such as 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), are used as herbicides to control broadleaf weeds.
• Understanding the role of IAA in plant development can help in genetic engineering and breeding programs aimed at improving crop yield and stress resistance.