Chemiotropism

/kɛmɪˈɒtrəpɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The growth or bending of an organism or part of an organism in response to chemical stimuli.

Etymology

From chemi- (chemistry) + -tropism (from Greek tropos, turning, + -ism, a condition or process). This term emerged in plant physiology in the late 19th century.

Kelly Says

Chemiotropism explains why plant roots grow downward toward minerals and why they turn toward nutrients in soil—it's a form of plant 'decision-making' that happens without a brain!

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