What is the primary function of auxin in plants?

Auxin is a crucial plant hormone primarily responsible for promoting and influencing growth and development in various parts of the plant. It plays a vital role in processes such as cell elongation, root formation, and the differentiation of tissues. One of the most well-known effects of auxin is its involvement in phototropism, where plants grow towards light, and gravitropism, where roots grow downward in response to gravity.

Auxins stimulate the elongation of cells in the stems and are instrumental in regulating other growth responses including apical dominance and the formation of fruit. Additionally, they work in conjunction with other hormones to coordinate various developmental processes, ensuring that plants grow optimally in their environments. The versatility and importance of auxin in facilitating growth highlight its primary function in plant development.