MadSci Network: Botany
Query:

Re: Why do roots grow down no matter what position the seed is in?

Date: Wed Jun 10 16:14:44 1998
Posted By: Matthew Barchok, Undergraduate
Area of science: Botany
ID: 892304404.Bt
Message:

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 The hypothesis of hydrotropism is obsolete.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.


Current Queue | Current Queue for Botany | Botany archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Botany.



MadSci Home | Information | Search | Random Knowledge Generator | MadSci Archives | Mad Library | MAD Labs | MAD FAQs | Ask a ? | Join Us! | Help Support MadSci


MadSci Network, webadmin@www.madsci.org
© 1995-1998. All rights reserved.