Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Using Flatbed Scanners to Collect High-resolution Time-lapsed Images of the Arabidopsis Root Gravitropic Response
Published on: January 26, 2014
Springback and diagravitropism in Merit corn roots
1Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853.
Abstract:
Dark-treated Merit corn (Zea mays L.) roots are diagravitropic and lose curvature upon withdrawal of the gravity stimulus (springback). Springback was not detected in a variety of corn that is orthogravitropic in the dark, nor in Merit roots in which tropistic response was enhanced either with red light or with abscisic acid. A possible interpretation is that springback may be associated with a weak growth response of diagravitropic roots.
Related Concept Videos
Dihybrid Crosses
Introduction to Seed Plants
Meristems and Plant Growth
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Responses to Gravity and Touch

