Story: Phototropism Plants
Episode: 6
Presenter: Bonnie-Marie Hibbs
Air Date: 6th April 2024

Bonnie teaches us about phototropism and why plants need light.

• Plants movement towards sunlight, known as phototropism, is a remarkable phenomenon, and it involves the detection and response to variations in sunlight intensity and direction.
• A plant’s core sensors are responsible for detecting sunlight changes, and when activated, trigger growth responses necessary for each plant.
• Plants bend and adjust to outcompete neighbours, crucial for thriving in various environments.
• Sunflower fields showcase phototropism very well, as blooms turn to face and track the sun's movement over the course of a day.
• Plants are intelligent and strive to optimise photosynthesis and energy production by capturing maximum light.
• Phototropism contributes to the ecosystem balance by influencing plant competition for sunlight.