What is phototropism in plants?

Phototropism is the growth response of plants towards light sources. This phenomenon occurs because plants have the ability to detect light direction, typically through a plant hormone called auxin. When light is more intense on one side of a plant, auxin accumulates on the shaded side, prompting the cells there to elongate more than those on the lighted side. As a result, the plant bends towards the light source to maximize photosynthesis, which is crucial for its growth and development. This ability to adapt to light conditions is fundamental for plants to thrive in their environments, making this response vital for their survival.