How does removing a terminal bud affect plant growth?

Removing a terminal bud encourages more horizontal branch growth due to a phenomenon known as apical dominance. In plants, the terminal bud at the tip of the stem produces hormones, primarily auxins, that inhibit the growth of lateral buds lower down on the stem. This hormonal influence directs the plant's energy toward upward growth, allowing it to reach for sunlight.

When the terminal bud is removed, this hormonal suppression is lifted, allowing the dormant lateral buds to activate and grow. As a result, the plant tends to become bushier and develop more side branches rather than continuing to grow straight upwards. This can be particularly beneficial in horticultural practices, where fuller plants are often desirable for aesthetics or for maximizing fruit and flower production.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the implications of removing a terminal bud. For instance, while stunting growth or slowing down leaf production might seem plausible, the removal of the terminal bud generally has the opposite effect by encouraging side growth. Preventing flowering is also not a direct consequence of terminal bud removal; rather, it can influence flowering depending on the plant type and growth conditions.