This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Plant Hormones for GCSE Biology. Topic 11: Plant Hormones It is section 8 of 12 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Memory Aids
"Auxin Avoids the light" — auxin distribution mnemonic: In a shoot lit from one side, auxin moves away from the light (to the shaded side). Higher auxin on the shaded side means more growth on that side, so the shoot bends towards the light. Remember: auxin avoids the light, but the shoot follows the auxin and ends up bending towards light.
Shoot vs Root auxin response — "S+ R-" (Shoots positive, Roots negative):
- Shoots: high auxin = more elongation (+)
- Roots: high auxin = less elongation (-)
- Same hormone, opposite responses because roots are more sensitive
Three plant hormones and their uses — "AGE":
- Auxin: weed killers, rooting powder (tropisms)
- Gibberellin: seed germination, fruit size, brewing (maltose from barley)
- Ethylene: fruit ripening (bananas, transported green)
Practice questions for Plant Hormones
When a plant shoot is lit from one side, where does auxin accumulate?
Explain how auxin causes gravitropism (geotropism) in plant roots.