pill.png

Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

direct-hit.png

Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

page-facing-up.png

Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

keycap-digit-one.png

Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Auxin is like a plant&#39;s personal trainer, helping it grow strong and in the right direction! Just as we need to stretch and work out our muscles, plant cells need to expand and elongate. And guess what? Auxin is the magic sauce that makes it happen.

<ul>
	<li>Turgidity: It&rsquo;s like when you fill a balloon with water. Plant cells puff up due to water pressure inside.</li>
	<li>Cellulose microfibrils: Think of these as the plant&#39;s scaffolding. They&#39;re strong and don&#39;t stretch.</li>
	<li>Apoplast: The space outside a cell&#39;s main body but within the cell wall.</li>
	<li>Phototropism: That super cool phenomenon where plants grow towards light.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Acts as a plant&rsquo;s armor &ndash; keeps the high water pressure inside so cells won&rsquo;t burst.</li>
	<li>Thanks to turgidity, shoots stand tall against gravity &amp; wind. Imagine them as plant superheroes standing strong against evil forces!</li>
	<li>Roots gain strength from turgidity &ndash; pushing through soil like a kid searching for hidden toys.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Made of cellulose microfibrils (like strong threads).</li>
	<li>Once growth finishes, add more threads for more strength.</li>
	<li>Remember: These threads (microfibrils) don&rsquo;t stretch. For growth, they slide around, making more space between them.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Microfibrils are connected by other carbs like pectin &ndash; think of them as the glue between the threads.</li>
	<li>The strength of this glue changes with pH. Make it more acidic, and the glue weakens, letting walls expand.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Auxin doesn&#39;t just whisper &quot;grow&quot; to the plants; it has a scientific magic trick up its sleeve!</li>
	<li>It promotes the creation of proton pumps.</li>
	<li>These pumps shoot H+ ions from the cell&#39;s insides to the outside (apoplast), turning it acidic.</li>
	<li>Acidic environment = wall expansion = cell growth.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Ever notice how a plant in a window grows towards the sunlight? That&#39;s phototropism!</li>
	<li>Auxin creates pH gradients in the apoplast (areas more acidic than others). This results in some parts growing faster and others slower. Hence, the plant bends towards light.</li>
</ul>

Pop Quiz! 🤓

<ul>
	<li>Why do plants need turgidity?</li>
	<li>What makes the plant cell walls expand?</li>
	<li>How does auxin promote cell growth?</li>
	<li>Ever moved a plant away from a window and noticed it bending back towards the light after some days? Can you now explain why?</li>
</ul>

Happy studying, plant scientists! Remember, every time you stretch, think of auxin helping plants do their own little stretch! 🌿💪🏼🌼

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlock Plant Growth The Power of Auxin!

Table of content

Introduction 🌱

Key Terms to Remember

The Role of the Cell Wall 🌿

Building & Reinforcing the Cell Wall 🔨

Unlock the Full Content!