How does chemical coordination occur in plants?

Animals have a nervous system for controlling and coordinating the activities of the body. But plants have neither a nervous system nor muscles. Plants respond to stimuli by showing movements. The growth, development, and responses to the environment in plants is controlled and coordinated by a special class of chemical substances known as hormones. These hormones are produced in one part of the plant body and are translocated to other needy parts. For example, a hormone produced in roots is translocated to other parts when required. The five major types of phytohormone are auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. These phytohormones are either growth promoters (such as auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, and ethylene) or growth inhibitors such as abscisic acid.

Different plant hormones help to coordinate growth, development and response to the environment. When growing plants detect light, a hormone called auxin, synthesised at the shoot tip, helps the cells to grow longer. Gibberellins helps in the growth of the stem. Cytokinins promote cell division.