Which hormone promotes lateral bud growth and cell division?

Cytokinins are key hormones in plant biology that primarily promote cell division and lateral bud growth. They work by stimulating cell differentiation and are involved in various physiological processes, including delaying leaf senescence and influencing apical dominance. When cytokinins are present, they encourage the growth of lateral buds, which can lead to bushier plants as opposed to the typical growth pattern dictated by auxins, which usually suppress lateral bud growth to encourage apical dominance. This balance between auxins and cytokinins is crucial for the overall architecture of the plant.

In contrast, gibberellins primarily promote stem elongation and seed germination but do not play a direct role in promoting lateral bud growth. Auxins, while instrumental in plant development, generally inhibit lateral bud growth to maintain apical dominance. Abscisic acid is mainly involved in stress responses and signaling for drought and does not promote growth; instead, it often leads to growth inhibition. Therefore, the unique function of cytokinins in promoting lateral bud growth and enhancing cell division makes them the correct choice.