How does auxin contribute to phototropism?
Answer (1)
Answer:AUXIN plays a crucial role in phototropism, the phenomenon where plants grow towards a light source. Here's a breakdown of how it works: • Light detection: * Plants have photoreceptors, particularly phototropins, that detect light. * When light shines on a plant from a specific direction, these photoreceptors are activated. * Auxin Redistribution: * The light triggers the lateral redistribution of auxin, a plant hormone, within the stem. * Auxin moves from the illuminated side of the stem to the shaded side. * Differential Cell Elongation: * Auxin promotes cell elongation. * The higher concentration of auxin on the shaded side causes the cells on that side to elongate more than the cells on the illuminated side. * This differential cell elongation results in the bending of the stem towards the light source. * The Cholodny-Went Hypothesis: * This hypothesis explains that plant tropisms, like phototropism, are due to the unequal distribution of auxin.In essence, auxin acts as a messenger that translates the light signal into a growth response, allowing the plant to maximize its exposure to light for photosynthesis.
