Auxins are a type of plant hormone that play a crucial role in growth and development. They help regulate various processes, such as cell elongation, root formation, and fruit development. By promoting cell division and elongation, auxins enable plants to grow towards light, a phenomenon known as phototropism. This allows plants to maximize their exposure to sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis. In addition to their role in growth, auxins are involved in other important functions, such as apical dominance, where the main stem grows more vigorously than side branches. They also help in the formation of roots and are used in agriculture to promote rooting in cuttings and improve crop yields.