OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What effect does auxin have on shoot growth?

  1. Inhibits growth

  2. Stimulates growth

  3. No effect

  4. Only affects root growth

The correct answer is: Stimulates growth

Auxin is a plant hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of growth and development, particularly in shoot growth. It stimulates the elongation of cells within the shoot, leading to increased height and growth towards light. This process is known as phototropism, where auxin concentration is higher on the side of the plant that is away from the light, causing those cells to elongate more and thereby bending the plant towards the light source. This role of auxin is vital for the plant's ability to adapt to its environment, ensuring it can maximize exposure to sunlight for photosynthesis. Therefore, the characterization of auxin as a stimulator of growth in shoots highlights its important function in promoting overall plant health and development.