Question

What causes a tendril to encircle or coil around the object it comes in contact with? Explain the process involved.

Answer 1

Twining tendency of tendril:

1. Tendrils are sensitive in nature.
2. They mainly respond to touch by growing and winding around the object.
3. The coiling mechanism occurs when the part of the tendril which touches the object stops growing.
4. Thus, the remaining part grows faster because of the plant hormone auxin which cause the coiling effect.
5. Auxin stimulates cell growth on the opposite side so that the coil forms rapidly.
6. The coiled portion of the tendrils is later concentrated with sclerenchyma cells to provide rigidity.
7. The twining tendency of the tendril causes it to encircle or coil around the object it comes in contact with.