How is the movement of leaves of a sensitive plant different from the downward movement of the roots ?

Question

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer The movement of leaves of a sensitive plant is **independent of growth** — cells change shape by losing water, causing leaves to fold rapidly in response to touch. The downward movement of roots is a **growth-dependent** movement (geotropism) — roots grow downward in response to gravity, and if growth is prevented, this movement will not occur. *Source: Chapter 6, Section 6.2 – Coordination in Plants* --- ## Explanation Examiners look for two clear contrasting points: 1. Sensitive plant movement = **not due to growth** (change in water content of cells). 2. Root movement = **due to growth** (geotropic/directional growth). Label or contrast these explicitly. Avoid writing lengthy paragraphs — two focused sentences earn full marks here. The key terms are "growth-independent" and "growth-dependent" (or geotropism).

Science (086) — CBSE Class 10 board question