Plant Phototrophism

Phototropism, a vital plant response to light, involves the stems leaning toward the light source while the roots spread outward. This adaptive mechanism optimizes sunlight absorption for photosynthesis. Photoreceptors, comprising a protein linked to a pigment called a chromophore, enable plants to detect light. Upon light absorption, the chromophore alters the protein's shape, initiating a signaling pathway that influences gene expression, development, and hormone synthesis. Phototropism facilitates efficient energy production during photosynthesis by allowing plants to adjust their growth according to light availability. 

In this activity, participant will observe how the direction of sunlight affects plant growth by observing seedlings grown under varying light directions. This experiment can be easily conducted at home using simple materials like old boxes and green beans. By studying how the direction of light influences the growth direction of green bean seedlings, participants can explore the phenomenon of phototropism firsthand.