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Activity 6.4 — Hydrotropism in Plants
NCERT Activity 6.4: Observe how plant roots grow toward a water source (positive hydrotropism), even bending against gravity to reach water.
How To Perform
1
Set Up the Experiment
A plant is placed in soil with a porous water pot buried nearby.
2
See the Moisture Gradient
Water seeps from the porous pot, creating a moisture gradient in the soil.
3
Watch Roots Grow to Water
Roots detect moisture and grow toward the water source — positive hydrotropism.
4
Hydrotropism Overrides Gravity
Roots may grow sideways or upward toward water, overriding geotropism.
5
Classify the Response
Understand why hydrotropism can override geotropism.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- •Ensure the porous pot does not leak too quickly — a slow seep creates a better gradient.
- •Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) for the plant to survive.
- •Handle the plant carefully when examining root growth.