apical dominance

American  

noun

Botany.

1. suppression of the development of lateral buds in a growing plant shoot, caused by hormones produced in the tip of the shoot.

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apical dominance Scientific  

/ ā′pĭ-kəl,ăp′ĭ- /

1. Inhibition of the growth of lateral buds by the terminal bud of a plant shoot. In most plants, apical dominance results from the release of auxin by the apical meristem.

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Etymology

Origin of apical dominance

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The influence of the apical bud on overall plant growth is known as apical dominance, which diminishes the growth of axillary buds that form along the sides of branches and stems.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Auxins are responsible for apical dominance, root growth, directional growth toward light, and many other growth responses.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Cytokinins stimulate cell division and counter apical dominance in shoots.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Most coniferous trees exhibit strong apical dominance, thus producing the typical conical Christmas tree shape.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

For example, apical dominance seems to result from a balance between auxins that inhibit lateral buds, and cytokinins that promote bushier growth.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022