| MadSci Network: Botany |
Bravo! BOTH hypotheses are correct! Roots grow towards areas of higher moisture. Roots also grow down because of gravity. This is called geotropism. It is caused by abscissic acid, a natural substance produced by plants that inhibits growth. The compound settles to the bottom half of the root. The bottom half of a root that is growing sideways will then grow slower than the top half. It therefore bends downward.---------
Admin note:
David Hershey adds the following:Roots do not grow toward areas of higher moisture. The hypothesis of hydrotropism is obsolete.
References
Hershey, D.R. 1992. Is hydrotropism all wet? Science Activities 29(2):20-24.
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