OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What is phototropism?

The growth of roots away from light
The bending of plant shoots towards light
The process of photosynthesis in shade
The wilting of plants in dry conditions

The correct answer is: The bending of plant shoots towards light

Phototropism refers to the directional growth of a plant in response to light. Specifically, it is the phenomenon where plant shoots bend towards the source of light. This adaptive response allows plants to maximize their exposure to sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light energy into chemical energy to fuel their growth. The bending occurs due to differential growth rates on the sides of the plant that are exposed to light compared to those that are shaded. Auxins, which are plant hormones, play a significant role in this process. In areas where light is more intense, auxins are distributed unevenly, promoting faster growth on the darker side of the plant, causing it to bend towards the light source. This behavior enhances the plant's ability to capture sunlight, making it a crucial survival mechanism.