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Auxin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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auxin

[ˈɔːksɪn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

plant hormone

Auxin is a class of plant hormones that play a crucial role in coordinating various growth and behavioral processes in the plant's life cycle. They are primarily involved in regulating cell elongation, root growth, and differentiation, as well as fruit development. Auxins are essential for the plant's response to light and gravity, a phenomenon known as phototropism and gravitropism, respectively. The most well-known naturally occurring auxin is indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). These hormones are produced in the apical meristem and transported to other parts of the plant, influencing growth and developmental patterns.

Synonyms

growth regulator, plant hormone.

Examples of usage

  • Auxin promotes the elongation of cells in the stem.
  • Plants use auxin to regulate their growth direction.
  • High concentrations of auxin can inhibit leaf abscission.
  • Exogenously applied auxins can enhance root formation in cuttings.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Botany

  • Auxins are primarily produced in the tips of roots and shoots, where they stimulate growth in those areas.
  • The distribution of auxins in a plant determines how it grows; more auxin on one side causes it to bend toward the light and grow straight.
  • They play a crucial role in phototropism, the way plants orient themselves toward light, impacting their ability to photosynthesize.

Agriculture

  • Auxins are used in agriculture as herbicides to control unwanted plant growth by disrupting their hormonal balance.
  • They are also applied in rooting powders to encourage the growth of roots in plant cuttings.
  • Understanding auxins can help farmers improve crop yields through better plant management and growth control.

Research

  • Research into auxins has helped scientists develop methods to manipulate plant growth for improved food production.
  • Auxins are part of ongoing studies exploring plant responses to climate change and environmental stresses.
  • Innovative biotechnological applications are emerging, focusing on genetically altering auxin pathways to enhance crop traits.

Popular Culture

  • In the world of animation, films like 'A Bug's Life' highlight the importance of plants for insects, indirectly showcasing plant hormones like auxins at play.
  • Books on gardening often emphasize understanding plant hormones, including auxins, for better plant growth and care.
  • Online gardening communities frequently share knowledge about how to use auxins in home gardening practices.

Origin of 'auxin'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'auxin' comes from the Greek word 'auxein', meaning 'to grow' or 'to increase'.
  • The discovery of auxins dates back to the early 20th century, leading to breakthroughs in understanding plant growth.
  • Scientists first identified auxins through experiments with plant cuttings and their ability to root.

The term 'auxin' originates from the Greek word 'auxein', which means 'to grow' or 'to increase'. The concept of auxins and their role in plant growth was first introduced in the early 20th century as scientists began to explore plant physiology. In the 1920s, researchers identified the first plant growth substances, and the term auxin was coined to describe these hormones that promote growth and cell elongation. Over the decades, various types of auxins have been discovered, with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) being the most studied and recognized in nature. The understanding of auxins has expanded, revealing their complex roles in plant development, including responses to environmental stimuli, such as light and gravity, further highlighting the sophistication of plant regulatory mechanisms.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,637, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.