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Auxin Functions
Auxin Functions
Auxin Functions
One of the main functions of auxins in a plant is cell elongation. In the stems, a steady supply of
auxin is needed for the elongation in the subapical regions of the plants. The optimal concentration for
elongation in the stem is 10-6 to 10-5 M; some plants, like Arabidopsis, may have a lower optimal auxin
concentration. In figure x, it can be seen that in concentrations higher than the optimal, auxin becomes
inhibitory as it induces ethylene biosynthesis, which inhibits growth. In the root, only relatively lower
concentrations of auxin, around 10 -10 to 10-9 M, promotes the growth of intact roots. Higher
concentrations, around the concentrations that induces growth in the stem, would inhibit root elongation
(Taiz & Zeiger, 2010).
plant cells, only break the hydrogen bonds of the polysaccharides in the cell well when the pH is acidic
(Taiz & Zeiger, 2010).
affected cells. On the other hand, when Ca 2+ is removed from the roots through chelators inhibits the
gravitropic response of the roots (Taiz & Zaiger, 2010).
Like in apex, auxin can also be distributed laterally in the root cap due to changes in the direction
of gravity. When root is oriented vertically, auxin transport is equal on all sides. However, when the root
is positioned horizontally, the root cap directs most of the auxin to the lower side. As mentioned above,
high concentrations of auxin the root causes inhibition of growth, thus the lower sides elongation would
be slowed (Taiz & Zeiger, 2010).
Auxin also influences the development of the plant. Indeed, the morphology of the plant depends
on movement of the auxin using the polar transport system, maintaining the basic shoot-root polarity and
the polar outgrowths. One of its developmental effects includes the regulation of apical dominance. When
the apex is removed, lateral buds are usually seen growing. However, when auxin is applied at the
decapitated apex, this is prevented. The direct inhibition model suggests that the optimal auxin
concentration for bud growth is much lower than those found the stem; as such, normal auxin
concentrations tend to inhibit the growth of the bud. If this is the case, auxin concentration should be
lower in the axillary buds when the apex is removed (Taiz & Zeiger, 2010). However, a study by
Langridge and colleagues (1989) showed that the reverse is true. The current hypothesis is that other
hormones, like cytokinins and abscisic acid, may work together with auxin to bring about apical
dominance in plants.
The appearance of lateral and adventitious roots in plants seems to be also regulated by auxin.
High auxin concentrations in the root promote the division of pericycle cells in the areas above the root
elongation zones, producing lateral roots. On the other hand, the formation of adventitious roots is
somewhat parallel to the formation of lateral roots. Clusters of mature cells in non-root tissue locations
that renew their cell division activity become root apical meristems and form these adventitious roots
(Taiz & Zeiger, 2010).
The presence of auxin can also delay the proliferation of abscission layers in leaves preceeding
senescence. When leaves, flowers or fruits are set to be shed, an abscission zone, containing differentiated
layer of cells called the abscission layer, forms. This can only be seen in older leaves, in which auxin
levels are definitely lower than when they were younger. When leaves are excised from a plant, an
abscission layer quickly forms in the petiole. However, when auxin is applied to the petiole, the formation
of the abscission layer is inhibited (Taiz & Zeiger, 2010).
A study by Kuhlemeier and Reinhardt (2001) treated Arabidopsis plants with an auxin transport
inhibitor. The inhibition of auxin caused abnormal floral development. This implies that the polar
transport of auxin in the inflorescence meristem is vital in the development of flowers. This also holds
true in the formation of normal phyllotaxy in the leaves of the plant.
Auxin is also present in the pollen, in the endosperm, and in the embryo of developing seeds,
suggesting that it has a role in the development of the fruit. It is suggested that after fertilization, the
growth of the fruit may depend on the auxin produced by the seeds. At initial stages of fruit growth, the
endosperm may be the primary source of auxin in the fruit. At later stages, the growing embryo may take
over as the source of auxin for fruit development (Taiz & Zeiger, 2010).
A recent study discovered that the role of auxin goes even further back from fruit development.
Auxin is also responsible in the regulation of the development of the female gametophyte in Arabidopsis.
The seven-cell structure, containing an egg cell, a central cell, two synergid cells and three antipodal cells,
is influenced by auxin gradients within the embryo sac. The proper formation of the specific pattern of
cells within the embryo sac requires auxin distribution and signaling (Pagnussat et al., 2009).
REFERENCES
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Taiz, L. & Zeiger, E. (2010). Plant Physiology, Fifth Edition. Sunderland, Massachussets, USA: Sinauer
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