Investigation of the Effects of Hydrotropism

Investigation of the Effects of Hydrotropism

Plants need water to grow and survive. Because of this, plant roots tend to grow towards a source of water. This process is termed hydrotropism.

Learning Objectives

To carry out an experiment to investigate the e ect of hydrotropism in plants.

Materials

Maize and bean seedlings, water bottle, knife, take-away food container, dry saw dust, and water.

Preparation Procedure

1.           Prepare a perforated container by cutting a water bottle in half and then punch small holes into left half of the container.

Activity Procedure

1.           Put saw dust in the take-away food container.

2.            Place the perforated container in the centre of the tray with saw dust.

3.           Fill the container in the centre with water, so one side of the saw dust tray is wet while saw dust on the other side is dry.

4.           Sow the seedlings in the saw dust on both sides.

5.           Leave for 4-5 days.

Results and Conclusion

After a few days all the roots of the plants growing towards the left or perforated side of the water container.

Clean Up Procedure

1.           Collect all the used materials, cleaning and storing items that will be used later. No special waste disposal is required.

Notes

In a carefully set up experiment, you will observe that radicals did grow towards the water. Thus, water has a greater in uence on root growth than gravity.