indoolazijnzuur

Indoolazijnzuur, commonly abbreviated as IAA, is a naturally occurring plant hormone belonging to the auxin class. It is the most abundant and important of the naturally occurring auxins in plants. IAA plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of plant growth and development.

Primarily, IAA influences cell elongation, a fundamental process in plant growth. It also promotes root formation and development, making it essential for plants to anchor themselves and absorb water and nutrients. Furthermore, IAA is involved in apical dominance, the phenomenon where the central stem grows more strongly than the side stems. It also plays a role in fruit development and abscission, the shedding of plant parts like leaves and fruits.

The synthesis of IAA occurs mainly in young leaves, buds, and developing seeds. It is then transported throughout the plant via vascular tissues. The concentration of IAA within plant tissues is tightly regulated, with both synthesis and degradation pathways contributing to its overall levels. Exogenous application of IAA or synthetic auxins can be used in agriculture and horticulture to manipulate plant growth, for instance, to promote rooting of cuttings or to control fruit set. While essential for normal plant life, excessive levels of IAA can sometimes inhibit growth, particularly root elongation.