by Tiwari Academy
To demonstrate hydrotropism, plant seeds in two identical containers with moist soil. Place one container in a uniformly moist environment and the other in a gradient (one side drier than the other). Observe root growth over several days. Roots in the gradient environment should grow towards the moist side, illustrating hydrotropism – the tendency of roots to grow towards moisture.
Let’s discuss in detail
Objective and Setup of the Experiment
The aim of this experiment is to demonstrate hydrotropism, the growth response of plants to moisture gradients. Begin by preparing two identical containers with moist, well-drained soil. Plant several seeds of the same species at equal depths in each container. Ensure that the seeds are known to exhibit hydrotropic responses, such as pea or bean seeds.
Creating a Moisture Gradient
For one container (the experimental group), create a moisture gradient. This can be achieved by watering only one side of the container, keeping the other side relatively dry. The control group, the other container, should be uniformly watered to maintain consistent moisture throughout. This setup will allow you to compare root growth in a uniform moisture environment versus a gradient.
Download App for Class 10
Monitoring and Recording Growth
Over the course of several days to a week, monitor and record the growth of the seedlings, focusing particularly on the direction of root growth. It’s important to keep all other conditions, such as light and temperature, consistent for both containers to ensure that any differences in growth direction are due to moisture levels alone.
Observing Hydrotropic Response
In the container with the moisture gradient, observe the direction of the root growth. Hydrotropism should cause the roots to grow towards the moist side of the container, as roots naturally seek out water sources. In the control container, roots should grow downward more uniformly, following gravitropism (response to gravity) rather than hydrotropism.
Analysis and Conclusion
Compare the root growth patterns in the two containers. The experimental group should exhibit a clear hydrotropic response, with roots growing towards the moisture. The control group’s roots should show a standard growth pattern, unaffected by a moisture gradient. This experiment demonstrates hydrotropism, highlighting how plants adapt their growth in response to environmental moisture conditions.
This simple experiment effectively illustrates the concept of hydrotropism, showing how roots navigate through soil to find water, an essential survival mechanism for plants in varying soil conditions.
Discuss this question in detail or visit to Class 10 Science Chapter 6 for all questions.
List of Questions of Class 10 Science Chapter 6
