Geotropism - GCSE Biology Definition

Geotropism, also known as gravitropism, is a growth movement in plants that happens in response to gravity. It helps plants grow in the right direction, with roots growing downwards into the soil and shoots growing upwards towards the light. This process is crucial for a plant's survival because it ensures roots can access water and nutrients, while leaves reach light for photosynthesis. The plant hormone auxin plays a key role in geotropism, as it affects the rate of growth on different sides of the plant, allowing it to bend in the right direction. Understanding geotropism is important in biology because it explains how plants adapt to their environment.