Question

The hormone that opposes apical dominance is_______.

Answer 1

Apical dominance:

1. Apical dominance is the process where the lateral growth of a plant is suppressed by the apical bud growth.
2. Auxin is a phytohormone that induces apical growth, hence promoting apical dominance.
3. This leads to an increase in the vertical height of the plant and the growth of lateral branches is suppressed.
4. Whereas, the phytohormones cytokinin promotes the growth of axillary bud allowing lateral growth, hence opposing apical dominance.
5. Cytokinin is an antagonistic hormone of auxin, i.e., inhibits or reverses the action of auxin.

Final answer: The hormone that opposes apical dominance is cytokinin.