Describe how environmental factors affect the growth of roots and shoots in plants. (6 marks)

Plants are able to respond to the environment in multiple ways. Shoots grow upwards, towards light, in a process called phototropism. Roots, on the other hand, grow downwards into the earth towards moisture - this is called hydrotropism. Plants also respond to the direction of the force of gravity - this is called geotropism. Roots grow towards the force of gravity, down into the ground, while shoots grow upwards and away from the force of gravity.