Negative gravitropism

Definition

Negative gravitropism is the growth of plant organs in the opposite direction of gravitational pull. It is commonly observed in stems and leaves growing upward away from the earth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Negative gravitropism helps plants maximize light absorption for photosynthesis.
2. It involves the redistribution of auxin hormones to promote differential cell elongation.
3. Stems exhibit negative gravitropism, while roots typically show positive gravitropism.
4. The statolith hypothesis suggests that specialized cells called statocytes help plants sense gravity.
5. Mutations affecting auxin transport can disrupt normal negative gravitropic responses in plants.

Review Questions

• What role does negative gravitropism play in a plant's ability to absorb light?
• How do auxin hormones influence negative gravitropism?
• Which part of a plant typically exhibits negative gravitropism?

Related terms

Positive Gravitropism: Growth of plant organs towards gravitational pull, typically seen in roots.

Phototropism: The orientation of a plant or other organism in response to light, either towards or away from the source.

Auxin: A class of plant hormones that regulate various aspects of growth and development, including cell elongation and division.