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Geotropism

Geotropism is the growth movement of a plant part in response to gravity.

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Student-friendly explanation

Geotropism is also called gravitropism. Roots usually show positive geotropism because they grow downward in the direction of gravity. Shoots usually show negative geotropism because they grow upward against gravity. This helps the plant survive by placing roots in the soil and shoots towards light and air.

How to write this in exams

  1. 1

    Start with the exact idea

    Geotropism is the growth movement of a plant part in response to gravity.

  2. 2

    Then show how to use it

    1. Identify gravity as the stimulus. 2. Observe whether the part grows down or up. 3. Name root or shoot response. 4. Decide positive or negative geotropism. 5. Write the reason clearly.

  3. 3

    Add one concrete example

    A germinating bean root growing downward into the soil shows positive geotropism.

  4. 4

    Avoid this incomplete answer

    A common wrong answer is to say shoots show positive geotropism because they grow upward. That is wrong because upward growth is against gravity, so it is negative geotropism.

Definition

Geotropism is the growth movement of a plant part in response to gravity.

Example

A germinating bean root growing downward into the soil shows positive geotropism.

Rule to remember

Rule: geotropism is directional growth due to gravity; roots are usually positive and shoots are usually negative.

Memory hook

Geo means earth, so geotropism means gravity-guided growth.

Examples and method

Worked example

When a seed germinates, the root grows downward into the soil. This is positive geotropism because the root grows in the direction of gravity.

Method to apply

1. Identify gravity as the stimulus. 2. Observe whether the part grows down or up. 3. Name root or shoot response. 4. Decide positive or negative geotropism. 5. Write the reason clearly.

Diagram support

A simple diagram should show a seedling with roots downward and shoot upward, with gravity marked by an arrow.

How CBSE asks it

Questions may ask the meaning of geotropism, the difference between positive and negative geotropism, or the response of roots and shoots to gravity.

Avoid common mistakes

Common confusion

Students often think downward growth always means the plant is weak or damaged. In fact, roots growing downward is a normal response to gravity.

Common wrong answer

A common wrong answer is to say shoots show positive geotropism because they grow upward. That is wrong because upward growth is against gravity, so it is negative geotropism.

Exam tip

If the stimulus is gravity, use geotropism and mention whether the part is moving toward or away from gravity.

Quick check

Why do roots usually show positive geotropism?

Roots usually show positive geotropism because they grow in the direction of gravity. This helps them enter the soil, hold the plant firmly, and absorb water and minerals.

Answer writing and exam use

1-mark answer

Geotropism is the growth movement of a plant part in response to gravity.

2-mark answer

Geotropism is the growth movement of a plant part in response to gravity. Rule: geotropism is directional growth due to gravity; roots are usually positive and shoots are usually negative. A germinating bean root growing downward into the soil shows positive geotropism.

3-mark answer

Geotropism is also called gravitropism. Roots usually show positive geotropism because they grow downward in the direction of gravity. Shoots usually show negative geotropism because they grow upward against gravity. This helps the plant survive by placing roots in the soil and shoots towards light and air. Rule: geotropism is directional growth due to gravity; roots are usually positive and shoots are usually negative. When a seed germinates, the root grows downward into the soil. This is positive geotropism because the root grows in the direction of gravity. Questions may ask the meaning of geotropism, the difference between positive and negative geotropism, or the response of roots and shoots to gravity. A common wrong answer is to say shoots show positive geotropism because they grow upward. That is wrong because upward growth is against gravity, so it is negative geotropism.
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