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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Auxin and Cytokinin?

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Auxin and cytokinin are two types of plant hormones that play important roles in regulating plant growth. They have some differences in their functions and sources within the plant:

  1. Source: Auxins are primarily synthesized in shoot apical meristems, while cytokinins are primarily synthesized in roots.
  2. Function: Auxin promotes apical dominance, which is the process by which the shoot tip inhibits the outgrowth of axillary buds to control branching. Cytokinin, on the other hand, promotes lateral shoot growth and regulates shoot meristem size, leaf primordial number, and leaf shoot growth.
  3. Root Branching: Auxin stimulates root branching, while cytokinin inhibits root branching and lateral root formation.

In summary, auxins and cytokinins are plant hormones with different functions and sources within the plant. Auxins are synthesized in shoot apical meristems and promote apical dominance and root development, while cytokinins are synthesized in roots and regulate lateral shoot growth, shoot meristem size, and leaf primordial number.

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  • What is the Difference Between Auxin and Cytokinin?
  • Comparative Table: Auxin vs Cytokinin

    • Comparative Table: Auxin vs Cytokinin

    Auxin and cytokinin are both plant hormones that regulate growth and development, but they have different functions and effects on plant growth. Here is a table highlighting the differences between auxin and cytokinin:

    Characteristic Auxin Cytokinin
    Function Regulates plant growth, differentiation, and tropistic responses (directional growth). Promotes cell division and is involved in making new plant parts like roots or shoots.
    Origin Auxin is produced in the shoot tips and travels downward. Cytokinin is produced in the root apical meristems (very tip of the roots) and travels upward.
    Movement The movement of auxin is actively regulated, requiring energy. The movement of cytokinin is passive and does not require energy.
    Effect on Root Formation A higher level of auxin leads to root formation. A high ratio of cytokinin relative to auxin leads to shoot formation.
    Effect on Shoot Formation A lower level of auxin leads to shoot formation. A high ratio of cytokinin relative to auxin leads to shoot formation.
    Callus Growth Equal levels of auxin and cytokinin produce callus growth, which is undifferentiated plant cell growth. Equal levels of auxin and cytokinin produce callus growth, which is undifferentiated plant cell growth.

    Auxin and cytokinin interact with each other to regulate plant growth and development. For example, if the concentration of auxin is greater than cytokinin, then roots will form. If the concentration of auxin is less than cytokinin, then shoots will form.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.