How Do You Spell TROPISMS?

Pronunciation: [tɹˈɒpɪzəmz] (IPA)

The word "tropisms" is spelled with a silent "p" and pronounced as /ˈtroʊpəzəmz/. It refers to the directional movement of a plant or organism in response to a stimulus such as light, gravity or touch. The spelling of "tropisms" is derived from the Greek word "tropos" meaning turning, and "-ism" suffix meaning a specific practice, system or philosophy. It is a commonly used term in the field of biology and botany, and understanding its phonetic transcription can aid in proper pronunciation and communication in scientific settings.

TROPISMS Meaning and Definition

  1. Tropisms are a type of movement or growth response exhibited by plants in response to external stimuli, such as light, gravity, or touch. It refers to the directional movement or bending of plant parts in response to these stimuli, leading to a specific orientation or position.

    One of the most common types of tropisms is phototropism, which refers to the bending or growth of plant parts towards or away from the source of light. Positive phototropism occurs when plant parts exhibit growth towards the light, while negative phototropism occurs when growth or bending happens away from the light source.

    Gravitropism, also known as geotropism, is another important type of tropism where plant parts respond to the force of gravity. Roots display positive gravitropism, growing or bending towards the center of the Earth, while shoots exhibit negative gravitropism, growing or bending away from the Earth.

    Another type of tropism is thigmotropism, which is the response of plants to touch or physical contact. For instance, tendrils of climbing plants exhibit positive thigmotropism as they wrap around objects for support.

    Tropisms are crucial for plants to adapt and survive in their environments, allowing them to maximize their exposure to light for photosynthesis, anchor themselves in the soil, and seek support for upward growth. These responses are regulated by a plant hormone called auxin, which is involved in controlling various growth and development processes.

Common Misspellings for TROPISMS

Etymology of TROPISMS

The word "tropisms" is derived from the Greek word "tropē", meaning turning or turning point. It was first used in plant biology to describe the phenomenon of plant movements and growth responses in reaction to external stimuli, such as light or gravity. The term "tropism" was coined by the Dutch botanist and physiologist Hugo de Vries in the late 19th century. It has since become a well-established term in the field of biology, encompassing various types of directional movements and growth responses that organisms exhibit in response to external stimuli.

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