GRAVITROPISM Meaning and
Definition
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Gravitropism is a physiological response exhibited by plants, specifically their roots and stems, in which they grow or bend in response to the force of gravity. It is a type of tropism, which refers to the growth or movement of an organism in response to an external stimulus, and gravitational force acts as the specific stimulus for gravitropism.
In gravitropism, the roots of a plant grow in the direction of gravity, known as positive gravitropism, while the stems grow against gravity, known as negative gravitropism. This growth response allows plants to maintain an optimal orientation with respect to gravity, which is crucial for their survival and growth.
The mechanism behind gravitropism involves specialized cells within plants, known as statocytes, which are responsible for sensing changes in the orientation of the plant. Statocytes contain tiny structures called statoliths, which are dense granules that settle to the bottom of the cell under the influence of gravity. This displacement triggers a signaling cascade and initiates a cellular response that directs growth towards or away from gravity.
Gravitropism plays a significant role in the overall growth and development of plants. By responding to gravity, plants are able to anchor themselves firmly in the soil, maximize nutrient uptake, and enhance their chances of reproductive success. Gravitropism is a fundamental process in the life cycle of plants and contributes to their ability to adapt and thrive in various environmental conditions.
Common Misspellings for GRAVITROPISM
- fravitropism
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Etymology of GRAVITROPISM
The word "Gravitropism" is derived from two Greek roots: "gravito" meaning "gravity" and "tropism" meaning "turning or movement in response to a stimulus". The term was first coined by the German botanist Julius von Sachs in the late 19th century to describe the phenomenon of plants' growth in response to gravity.
