How Do Plants Know Which Direction to Grow?

Plants can sense light and move toward it, just like you might turn your head when someone calls your name. Imagine a tiny detective inside each leaf, checking where the light is coming from, and telling the plant which way to grow.

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Examples

A sunflower follows the sun across the sky like a little follower.
A vine grows up a fence toward the light, even if it’s cloudy.
A seedling bends toward a window when it's placed on a table.

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Categories: Biology · plant biology,phototropism,growth mechanisms