phytohormones

Phytohormones are natural chemicals produced by plants that regulate growth, development, and responses to their environment. Think of them as plant “messengers” or “signaling molecules” that coordinate processes like seed germination, root and shoot growth, flowering, and defense against stress. They work in small amounts and interact with each other to ensure the plant adapts, survives, and reproduces efficiently. Examples include auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. Understanding phytohormones helps us better appreciate how plants grow and respond to changes, essential for agriculture and plant science.