What is geotropism in plant?

Gravitropism (also known as geotropism) is a coordinated process of differential growth by a plant in response to gravity pulling on it. That is, roots grow in the direction of gravitational pull (i.e., downward) and stems grow in the opposite direction (i.e., upwards).

What is geotropism in simple words?

geotropism. [ jē-ŏt′rə-pĭz′əm ] The directional growth of an organism in response to gravity. Roots display positive geotropism when they grow downwards, while shoots display negative geotropism when they grow upwards. Also called gravitropism.

What is geotropism and how does it affect plants?

Geotropism is the term applied to the consequent orientation response of growing plant parts. Roots are positively geotropic, that is, they will bend and grow downwards, towards the center of the Earth. In contrast, shoots are negatively geotropic, that is, they will bend and grow upwards, or away, from the surface.

How does geotropism occur in plants?

Just like phototropism, geotropism is also caused by an unequal distribution of auxin. In a root placed horizontally, the bottom side contains more auxin and grows less – causing the root to grow in the direction of the force of gravity. The opposite happens in a stem.

What are positive and negative geotropism?

Geotropism is the influence of gravity on plant growth or movement. Simply put, this means that roots grow down and stems grow up. In this case, the stimulus is gravity. Upward growth of plant parts, against gravity, is called negative geotropism, and downward growth of roots is called positive geotropism.

Which situation is a result of geotropism?

Geotropism is sometimes called gravitropism . The most important cause of xylem sap flow is the evaporation of water from the surfaces cells to the atmosphere. This causes a negative pressure or tension in the xylem that pulls the water from the roots and soil, very similar to the way a drinking straw works.

What is a geotropism response?

Geotropism is a response in which a plant grows towards or away from gravity. In positive geotropism, the plant grows toward gravity. In negative geotropism, the plant grows away from gravity.