Question

Describe how auxins are related to the bending of shoots towards the source of light.

Answer 1

Phototropism

1. The bending of the stem of a plant towards light is called as phototropism.
2. Auxins also play a part in phototropism, an occurrence that involves plants bending or moving away from light.
3. The shoot tip is responsible for directional movement by the plant in response to sunlight, as this is the area where auxins can be found.
4. Sunlight eradicates auxin, meaning that the part of the shoot tip of the plant which is receiving direct sunlight will have the least amount of auxin.
5. The extra auxin present on the shaded side promotes more cell division and elongation, causing the plant to bend towards the sunlight after this lop-sided growth.