Diaphototropism

/daɪæfoʊˈtɑtrəpɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The growth response of plants to light, where the direction and intensity of light affects how the plant orients and directs its growth.

Etymology

From Greek dia- (through) + photo- (light) + tropism (turning), literally 'turning through light,' used in botany to describe the mechanism by which plants respond to light conditions.

Kelly Says

Plants are basically 'eating' light to grow, and diaphototropism is their way of positioning themselves like solar panels—scientists have recently discovered that plants have 'light sensors' that communicate through electrical signals, making them far more sophisticated light-seekers than previously thought.

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