Plant Biology
Auxin
A plant hormone that regulates growth, particularly cell elongation. Auxin gradients direct plant growth toward light (phototropism) and establish apical dominance.
Biological Context
Auxin is produced in growing tips and young leaves, flowing downward through the plant. It accumulates on the shaded side of stems, causing cells there to elongate more, bending the plant toward light. Auxin also inhibits lateral bud growth, maintaining apical dominance.
Business Application
Auxin-like signals in organizations direct resources toward priority initiatives. Executive attention functions like auxin—where leadership focuses, resources flow, and growth occurs.