Hey there future biologist! Let’s delve deep into the incredible world of plant hormones, or as they're trendily named, "phytohormones". These aren't your average run-of-the-mill chemicals; they're the unsung heroes ensuring plants grow, develop, and react. Buckle up, and let’s embark on this leafy journey.

• Definition: A chemical message produced and dispatched in one section of a plant to exert influence on another section.
• Animal vs. Plant hormones: Animals have hormones, and so do plants. However, since plants do things a tad differently, their hormones got a special name - Phytohormones.

Real-world example: Think of phytohormones as a plant's personal postal service, delivering essential messages from one part of the plant to another to ensure everything runs smoothly.

• Role in Growth: Phytohormones are like the gym trainers for plants. They can either cheer plants on to grow or tell them to take it easy.
• How?: They play with cell division and enlargement rates.
• Star Player - Gibberellin: This is like the protein shake for plants, especially for stems.
• Fun Fact: Ever seen short-stemmed wheat? Breeders tricked them by giving them genes that make them less jazzed about gibberellin.

Real-world example: Just like how humans might wear high heels to appear taller, plants have gibberellin to boost their height. And some plants are bred to stay "short" and manageable, like Tom Cruise in flats!