When a pea plant tendril contacts a support, which part of the tendril grows more rapidly — the side touching…

Question

When a pea plant tendril contacts a support, which part of the tendril grows more rapidly — the side touching the support or the side facing away from it? What is the consequence of this difference?

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer When a tendril contacts a support, the **side touching the support grows more slowly**, while the **side facing away grows more rapidly**. **Consequence:** This unequal growth causes the tendril to **curve and coil around the support**, allowing the plant to cling to it and climb. *Source: Chapter 6, Section 6.2.2 – Movement Due to Growth* --- ## Explanation The examiner expects you to clearly state **which side grows slower** (touching side) and **which grows faster** (away side), then give the **result** — coiling/clinging. Many students get the sides mixed up; remember: contact inhibits growth. Two marks = two points: (1) differential growth, (2) consequence (coiling around the support).

Science (086) — AI-generated practice question