Here's how it works:
* Auxin: Plants produce a hormone called auxin. Auxin plays a crucial role in plant growth and development, including phototropism.
* Light Detection: When light shines on a plant, the cells on the side of the stem that receives less light produce more auxin than the cells on the sunny side.
* Cell Growth: This uneven distribution of auxin causes the cells on the shaded side of the stem to grow longer than the cells on the sunny side.
* Bending: This difference in growth results in the stem bending towards the light source.
In essence, plants use phototropism to maximize their exposure to sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis and their overall survival.
