Question

Select a specific example of how a plant responds to stimuli and describe the mechanism by which this occurs including a description of the specialized cells involved. How is this response an adaptation for the plant?

Answer 1

Answer: Shoot of plants is positively phototropism.

Explanation:

The response in view is phototropism. The shoot of plants are positively phototropic , meaning that it moves towards the source of light.

The mechanism here is that Auxins, a growth hormone that are produced at the meristematic cells at the apices of the shoot and the root especially in young plants shy away from the source of light. So if a potted plants is kept in a dark room with only a small source of light, the Auxins at the tip of the shoot will move away from the side of the plant facing the source of light.

Because Auxins is a major plant hormone, it will induce a rapid growth on the side it has accumulated hence cause the shoot of the plant to bend towards the source of light and respond positively to the light stimulus.

The response is an adaptation for the plant because green plants need light (solar) to produce their food through the process of photosynthesis. Absence of light will negatively affect the survival of the plant.