Question detail
Describe the role of auxin in phototropism and how it leads to the bending of plant shoots.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Plant hormones (biology only)
Question
Describe the role of auxin in phototropism and how it leads to the bending of plant shoots.
Answer
In phototropism, auxin accumulates on the side of the shoot that is away from the light source. This higher concentration of auxin stimulates cell elongation on that side, causing the shoot to bend towards the light as the cells on the shaded side grow more than those on the light-exposed side.
Explanation
This answer effectively explains the mechanism of phototropism involving auxin, demonstrating the student's ability to connect hormone distribution with plant responses to environmental stimuli. The question assesses the understanding of plant growth responses.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Auxin Distribution
Students often think that auxin is only concentrated on one side of the plant, leading to confusion about how it affects growth in both shoots and roots.
Clarify that auxin is distributed unevenly in response to light and gravity, causing differential growth rates that result in bending towards light (phototropism) or away from gravity (gravitropism).
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