OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Get ready for the OCR GCSE Biology exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions. Understand the exam format, key topics, and effective study strategies to excel.

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How do roots respond to gravity?

  1. Negatively gravitropic

  2. Positively gravitropic

  3. Phototropic

  4. No significant response

The correct answer is: Positively gravitropic

Roots exhibit a positive gravitropic response, which means they grow downward in the direction of gravity. This phenomenon is crucial for plants, as it allows them to anchor themselves securely into the soil and access essential nutrients and water found below the surface. The mechanism behind this response involves a combination of gravity perception and growth regulation. Specialized cells within the root cap sense the direction of gravity, and this information is transmitted to the rest of the root, influencing growth patterns. Roots grow more on the side that is away from gravitational pull, leading to bending that directs root growth downward. This ensures that roots can establish a firm foundation and optimize their ability to absorb resources, demonstrating the adaptive strategies of plants in their growth and survival.