Phytohormones (phyto- meaning plant) are molecules produced within plants that control every aspect of plant growth and development. Similar to humans, phytohormones control a plant’s regulation of organ size, pathogenic defenses, immune system, stress tolerance, reproductive capabilities, and developmental structure. These hormones are seen throughout the plant kingdom, even in lower plants such as algae, affecting gene expression and mimicking processes and functions similar to those seen in higher plants.
All plant cells are capable of producing phytohormones, whereas in animals creation of certain hormones are regulated to specific glands and organs.
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