What type of growth point is located at the tip of a branch or shoot and is influenced by hormones?

The correct choice is found at the tip of a branch or shoot where active growth occurs, and it is known as an apical or terminal bud. These buds play a crucial role in the growth and development of the plant, as they are responsible for the extension of the shoot and the regulation of growth patterns.

Apical buds produce hormones, particularly auxins, which promote cell elongation and influence the direction of growth towards sunlight. This is part of phototropism, where the plant grows towards light, which is vital for photosynthesis. The presence of the apical bud suppresses the growth of lateral buds in a phenomenon called apical dominance, ensuring that the plant focuses its energy on growing upward and reaching for light rather than spreading out too much at lower levels.

In contrast, adventitious buds and lateral buds do not play the same primary role in the upward growth of the plant as apical buds do. Adventitious buds can emerge from unexpected places, generally in response to damage or stress, while lateral buds grow along the sides of stems and remain dormant until conditions favor their growth. Auxin refers to the plant hormone itself and is not a specific type of bud. Understanding these distinctions is key for managing plant growth effectively in landscape practices.