Tropisms — Plant Responses to Stimuli

Part of Plant Hormones · Section 1 of 12

Deep DiveUnit: Homeostasis & ResponseGCSE

This deep dive covers Tropisms — Plant Responses to Stimuli within Plant Hormones for GCSE Biology. Topic 11: Plant Hormones It is section 1 of 12 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

🌱 Tropisms — Plant Responses to Stimuli

Plants respond to stimuli but more slowly than animals:

Tropism Response to Example
Phototropism Light Shoots grow towards light (positive)
Geotropism/Gravitropism Gravity Roots grow down (positive); shoots grow up (negative)

Practice questions for Plant Hormones

When a plant shoot is lit from one side, where does auxin accumulate?

  • A. On the side facing the light
  • B. Equally on both sides
  • C. On the shaded side, away from the light
  • D. At the base of the shoot
1 markfoundation

Explain how auxin causes gravitropism (geotropism) in plant roots.

3 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

What is phototropism?
Phototropism is the growth response of a plant to light. Shoots show positive phototropism — they grow towards the light source.
What is gravitropism?
Gravitropism is the growth response of a plant to gravity. Roots show positive gravitropism (grow downward, towards gravity). Shoots show negative gravitropism (grow upward, away from gravity).

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