Movements in Plants
1. Introduction
Plants are living organisms that respond to their environment in various ways. Although they
do not move from one place to another like animals, they exhibit different types of
movements in response to external and internal stimuli. These movements help plants
survive, grow, and reproduce effectively. Plant movements are generally slow and less
noticeable, but some can be rapid and easily observed.
Plant movements are mainly controlled by environmental factors such as light, gravity, water,
touch, and temperature. These movements are categorized into different types based on
their nature and mechanism.
General diagram showing plant responding to sunlight (phototropism)]
2. Types of Plant Movements
Plant movements are broadly classified into
Tropic Movements
Nastic Movements
Tactic Movements (in lower plants)
Each type has a unique mechanism and function.
3. Tropic Movements
Tropic movements are directional growth movements of plants in response to external
stimuli. The direction of movement depends on the direction of the stimulus.
3.1 Phototropism
Phototropism is the movement of plant parts in response to light. Stems usually show
positive phototropism (grow towards light), while roots show negative phototropism.
This movement is regulated by a plant hormone called auxin, which accumulates on the
shaded side, causing elongation of cells.
Stem bending towards light showing auxin distribution
3.2 Geotropism (Gravitropism)
Geotropism is the growth movement in response to gravity.
Roots show positive geotropism (grow downward)
Shoots show negative geotropism (grow upward)
Seed germination showing root downward and shoot upward growth
3.3 Hydrotropism
Hydrotropism is the movement of roots toward water. This helps plants absorb water
efficiently from the soil.
Roots growing toward a water source
3.4 Thigmotropism
Thigmotropism is the movement in response to touch. It is commonly seen in climbing plants
like tendrils, which coil around a support.
Tendrils wrapping around a support
3.5 Chemotropism
Chemotropism is the growth movement in response to chemicals. For example, the pollen
tube grows toward the ovule due to chemical signals.
Pollen tube growing toward ovule
4. Nastic Movements
Nastic movements are non-directional movements, meaning they do not depend on the
direction of the stimulus.
4.1 Seismonasty (Thigmonasty)
This movement occurs in response to touch or shock. A common example is the plant
Mimosa pudica (touch-me-not), which folds its leaves when touched.
Mimosa pudica leaf closing after touch
4.2 Photonasty
Movement in response to light intensity. Flowers like sunflowers open during the day and
close at night.
Flower opening in light and closing in dark
4.3 Nyctinasty (Sleep Movement)
This movement occurs due to day-night changes. Leaves of some plants fold at night and
reopen during the day.
Leaves open in day and closed at night
5. Tactic Movements
Tactic movements are seen in lower plants and microorganisms where the whole organism
moves from one place to another.
Example
Algae move toward light (positive phototaxis)
Algae moving toward light source
6. Mechanism of Plant Movements
Plant movements are controlled by
Plant hormones (Auxins)
Cell elongation
Turgor pressure changes
In tropic movements, growth occurs due to unequal distribution of hormones.
In nastic movements, rapid changes occur due to loss or gain of water in cells.
7. Importance of Plant Movements
Plant movements play a vital role in:
Photosynthesis (by moving toward light)
Water absorption
Support and climbing
Protection from predators
Pollination and reproduction
These movements help plants adapt to their environment efficiently.
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, plant movements are essential physiological processes that enable plants to
respond to environmental stimuli. Despite lacking a nervous system, plants exhibit complex
and well-coordinated movements. Understanding these movements helps us appreciate
plant behavior and their survival strategies.
9. References
Plant Physiology by Taiz & Zeiger
Second year biology BBISE (addition 2005). Chapter 2 (support and movement)