Phototropism

Phototropism is a plant's response to light. It gives plants the ability to grow toward light in order to maximize their exposure to it. Phototropism is an important component of a plant’s growth and development, as it helps them to survive and thrive. The phototropic response is initiated by the presence of light at the tip of the stem or root. This causes the production of the hormone auxin, which then travels down the stem or root and causes the cells on the opposite side to elongate. This asymmetrical growth causes the plant to bend or curve in the direction of the light. The type of light that a plant responds to can vary. Some plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, respond to blue light, while others, such as maize and wheat, respond to red light. In addition, the response can also be affected by the intensity and duration of the light exposure. The phototropic response is important for a plant’s growth and development. For example, it helps plants move away from damaging light sources such as direct sunlight, and it helps them to orient themselves towards light sources that are beneficial for photosynthesis.