Why do sunflowers face the sun?

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sunflower facing the sun

Why are you facing the sun?

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The main reason why sunflowers rotate toward the sun is the influence of light. The auxin is distributed backlit, with a lower concentration on the side facing the sun and a higher concentration on the side facing away from the light, so the backlit side grows faster, while the side facing the light grows slower. , causing the stem to bend against the light, causing it to face the sun.

sunflower facing the sun

Sunflowers toward the sun

Sunflowers rotate toward the sun. This is an interesting phenomenon. Because as soon as it encounters light, it will rotate with the sun, but this refers to the period from when its plant sprouts to when its flowers bloom. Its leaves and flower disk will rotate with the sun, from facing east to facing east. Facing west, when the flower pot is in full bloom, it will no longer rotate, but will always face east.

In fact, although the flowers and leaves of sunflowers rotate with the sun, they are not synchronized in real time. Scientists have measured that their rotation will lag slightly behind the sun. When it rotates, when the sun rises in the morning, it will rotate to the west. After the sun sets, its disk will slowly swing back. At about 3 o'clock in the morning, it will turn back to the east. .

Why is it facing the sun

The main reason for turning toward the sun is the influence of light.

The auxin of sunflowers is distributed on the stem tip and is constantly transported downward. It will be affected by light. Roughly speaking, its auxin is distributed in the backlight. The concentration of auxin on the side facing the sun is relatively low, but the concentration of auxin on the side facing away from the light is relatively high, so the side of the backlight grows. It grows faster, while the side facing the light grows slower, causing the stem to bend against the light, making it always face the sun.

In addition, people also believe that the reason why sunflowers rotate toward the sun is related to gravity and lutein. Gravity means that it will rotate with the sun in the early stages of growth and the tender period of the flower pot; lutein means that this substance can hinder the growth of sunflower cells. Generally, the leaves on the side facing the light The concentration of flavonoids is higher, so the sunflower will grow slower on the side facing the light, causing it to bend.

Okay, this is how the sunflower’s positive direction comes about. Isn’t it amazing?

Why are you facing the sun?

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