Phototropism
Phototropism is growth in the direction of light. Phototropism is common in plants, but can also occur in other organisms such as fungi. The cells on the plant that are farthest from the light have a plant growth hormone called auxin, which causes phototropism to occur. It causes the plant to have elongated cells on the farthest side from the light.
Phototropism is one of the many plant tropisms or movements which respond to external stimuli. Growth towards a light source is a positive phototropism, while growth away from light is called negative phototropism. Most plant shoots have positive phototropism. Roots usually have negative phototropism, though gravitropism may play a larger role in root behavior and growth. Some vine shoot tips exhibit negative phototropism, which allows them to grow towards dark, solid objects and climb them.[1]
Auxin collects mainly on the darker side of the stem and stimulates cell elongation. Thus, the cells on the side not directly exposed to light will grow faster than the opposing side, and the stem will curve towards the light source.
Phototropism in plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana is directed by blue light receptors called phototropins.[2] Other photosensitive receptors in plants include phytochromes that sense red light,[3] and cryptochromes that sense blue light.[4]
Phototropism Media
The light from the lamp (1.) functions as a detectable change in the plant's environment. As a result, the plant exhibits a reaction of phototropism--directional growth (2.) toward the light stimulus.
Auxin distribution controls phototropism. *1. Sunlight strikes the plant from directly above. Auxin (pink dots) encourages growth straight up. *2, 3, 4. Sunlight strikes the plant at an angle. Auxin is concentrated on one side, encouraging growth at an angle from the preceding stem.
Phototropism in Solanum lycopersicum.
Five models showing how auxin is transported in the plant Arabidopsis.
Phycomyces, a fungus, also exhibit phototropism
Example on a Phalaenopsis
Ravenalas growing between two buildings in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The plane (here perpendicular to the north-south axis) of these two plants is orientated to maximize daylight absorption
References
- ↑ Salisbury, Frank B. & Ross, Cleon W. 1992. Plant physiology. 4th ed, Belmont, California: Wadsworth Publishing. ISBN 0-534-15162-0
- ↑ "American Society of Plant Biologists". Archived from the original on 2015-11-18. Retrieved 2012-03-29.
- ↑ "Phytochrome". plantphys.info. Archived from the original on 2018-07-04. Retrieved 2012-03-29.
- ↑ Eckardt, Nancy A. (1 May 2003). "A Component of the Cryptochrome Blue Light Signaling Pathway". The Plant Cell. 15 (5): 1051–1052. doi:10.1105/tpc.150510. S2CID 84452057 – via www.plantcell.org.