Page 130 - Photosynthesis: The Green Miracle
P. 130
Adnan Oktar
Light
Light
Organ sensitive
to light
Oxyn distrib-
utes cell ex- Extra cell
tension growth
equally on the
(equally on shaded
both sides). side
Oxyn deficiency
in the side re-
ceiving light
Oxyn concen-
trated in the
shaded side
Light from above Light from one side only
The hormone auxin controls in what direction the plant grows, and how much. For ex-
ample, when a plant receives diffuse light from all directions, the hormone is dis-
tributed equally throughout, allowing the plant to grow equally in all directions, as
shown on the left. When light arrives from one side only, however, auxin accu-
mulates on the side not receiving light and the greatest growth takes place
there, as shown in the photo on the right.
branches upward towards the light (phototropism), against the force of
gravity, and the roots downward in the same direction as gravity. Cell di-
vision, the variety and distribution of cells according to specific tasks,
fruit growth, root development from cut areas and leaf shedding are
among auxin’s other responsibilities. The hormone auxin plays a key role
in many aspects of plant growth and development, and with its mysteri-
ous chemical structure has been the focus of interest for researchers.
What controls this hormone, which acts like a decision-making cen-
128