Terminal bud
Allows the stem to grow in length
A terminal bud is a bud that is located at the tip or end of a stem or twig of a plant. It is responsible for the elongation and growth of the stem or branch. Terminal buds contain the shoot apical meristem, a group of undifferentiated plant cells that are capable of dividing and differentiating into all the different types of plant cells.
The terminal bud produces a hormone called auxin which is responsible for the regulation of plant growth. This hormone is transported downward through the plant via the phloem and promotes elongation and branching of the stem. The terminal bud suppresses the growth of lateral buds, thereby allowing the plant to develop a single unbranched apical axis. This characteristic is important for plants that need to grow tall like trees.
Terminal buds also play an important role in determining the shape of a plant. For example, if the terminal bud of a plant is removed, then the lateral buds will grow and develop into branches, giving the plant a bushier appearance.
Overall, terminal buds are critical in the growth and development of plants and can impact their shape, height, and branching patterns.
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