The terminal bud can dominate over lateral buds, influencing growth.

The terminal bud can dominate over lateral buds, influencing growth.

• A. The terminal bud is located at the base of the stem
• B. The terminal bud can dominate over lateral buds
• C. Lateral buds outcompete the terminal bud
• D. Terminal buds store nutrients

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is apical dominance—the terminal bud at the tip of the shoot sends hormonal signals that keep the side buds from growing. The growing tip produces auxin, which travels downward and suppresses the growth of lateral buds. This focuses the plant’s energy on vertical growth and helps the shoot extend toward light. When the terminal bud is removed or its signal is reduced, the suppression on the lateral buds is released, and these side shoots can grow, leading to a bushier plant. This is why the statement that the terminal bud can dominate over lateral buds is the best description of how growth is influenced. The other ideas—like the terminal bud being at the base, lateral buds outcompeting the terminal bud, or terminal buds storing nutrients—don’t capture the key control mechanism that shapes how plants branch.

The main idea here is apical dominance—the terminal bud at the tip of the shoot sends hormonal signals that keep the side buds from growing. The growing tip produces auxin, which travels downward and suppresses the growth of lateral buds. This focuses the plant’s energy on vertical growth and helps the shoot extend toward light. When the terminal bud is removed or its signal is reduced, the suppression on the lateral buds is released, and these side shoots can grow, leading to a bushier plant. This is why the statement that the terminal bud can dominate over lateral buds is the best description of how growth is influenced. The other ideas—like the terminal bud being at the base, lateral buds outcompeting the terminal bud, or terminal buds storing nutrients—don’t capture the key control mechanism that shapes how plants branch.