Definition
gravitropism
noun
- the growth or movement of a plant or organism in response to the force of gravity, typically with roots growing downward and shoots growing upward
Usage: biology term; also called geotropism
Examples
- Gravitropism ensures that plant roots always grow downward into the soil to find water and nutrients.
- Scientists study gravitropism to understand how plants sense and respond to gravity.
- The roots of a seedling demonstrate positive gravitropism by growing toward the ground.
- Astronauts have observed that gravitropism is disrupted in the microgravity environment of space stations.
- Negative gravitropism in plant stems causes them to grow upward against the pull of gravity.