The plant hormone auxin is central in the regulation of growth and developm
ent, however, the molecular basis for its action has remained enigmatic. In
the absence of a molecular model, the wide range of responses elicited by
auxin have been difficult to explain. Recent advances using molecular genet
ic approaches in Arabidopsis have led to the isolation of a number of Key g
enes involved in auxin action. Of particular importance are genes involved
in channelling polar auxin transport through the plant. In addition a model
for auxin signal transduction, centred on regulated protein degradation, h
as been developed.