How do plants react to light?
Light is essential to plants, and they react to it by bending or leaning towards it as they grow. This process is called phototropism, which simply means the growth of a plant in the direction of its light source.HistoryCharles Darwin observed that the seedlings he planted grew towards the light. In 1920 botanist Frits Went proved why this occurred with the discovery of a plant hormone called auxin.PhototropismPhototropism is the process of a plant’s reaction to light. The most visible example is the stem bending towards its light source.AuxinPlants manufacture a growth stimulant in their tips called auxin. When light comes from only one direction, more auxin flows down the dark side of the plant, which causes it to grow faster. The resulting unequal growth causes the plant to lean towards the light. (See Reference 1)PhotosynthesisPhotosynthesis is the process of converting light to sugar and oxygen, which keeps the plant alive. This is why light is essential for plant growth.Considera
