What does chemotropism refer to in plants?

Chemotropism refers to the growth response of a plant towards or away from a chemical stimulus. In this context, when a plant encounters specific chemical concentrations in its environment, it can exhibit a differential growth pattern. For instance, the roots of a plant may grow towards a nutrient (a positive chemotropic response) or away from harmful substances (a negative chemotropic response). This adaptation allows plants to optimize their growth by locating essential resources or avoiding detrimental conditions.

Other statements do not accurately describe chemotropism. The response to water is known as hydrotropism, while growth responses to light are termed phototropism, where plants grow towards light or away from it depending on the direction of light exposure. Understanding these distinct terms helps clarify the various ways that plants interact with their environment.