Molecular effects of hormone treatment on tissue.

TLDR: Exogenous application of hormones is one of the most common methods in research into the mode of action of such substances, but it is rarely easy and often impossible to achieve with plant material because any given hormone may be produced in more than one location within the plant.

Abstract: Exogenous application of hormones is one of the most common methods in research into the mode of action of such substances. The rationale behind such approaches is based mainly on the idea of replacement of the endogenous, naturally occurring hormone by an exogenous hormone, the level of which may be controlled and its effect monitored. This is fairly easily accomplished in animal systems, where the gland synthesizing a particular hormone can be dissected out and the target tissue monitored after application of the exogenous hormone via the blood stream. This is rarely easy and often impossible to achieve with plant material because in most instances any given hormone may be produced in more than one location within the plant. Furthermore, the same organ or cell which produces the hormone may also be the target.