Phototropism ☀️🌱 is the growth movement of a plant in response to light. This directional growth helps the plant maximize light absorption for photosynthesis, which is crucial for its survival and growth.
- Types:
- Positive Phototropism ➕: Growth towards the light source. This is commonly seen in plant stems, leaves, and flowers, which bend towards sunlight to capture more light.
- Negative Phototropism ➖: Growth away from the light. This is often observed in roots that grow away from the light and into the soil.
- Mechanism: Phototropism is mainly controlled by auxins, a type of plant hormone. Auxins accumulate on the shaded side of the plant, causing cells to elongate more on that side, resulting in the bending of the plant towards the light.
- Example: A sunflower 🌻 turning its head to follow the sun’s path across the sky.
Phototropism is essential for plant survival as it optimizes light exposure, supporting better growth and development!
