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Geotropisms and magnetism

All:

I have a little bit of input to this discussion about upsidedown plants and
roots.  From what I learned at the University I remember learning the fact
that roots grow down as a positive geotropism.  There were some sort of
granules that actually "float" inside the root tips and collect at the
lowest most point.  I can't recall the name or the technical explanation,
but this collection of granules stimulated growth regulators that caused
the root to grow in that direction.  As far magnets doing the same thing,
I'd be sceptical.  Yes, there is a small trace of iron compounds in the
plants root cells, but I highly doubt there would be a tropic response.  

If you are wanting to change the direction of growth for some reason, I do
recall one experment where, at least in the lab, they were able to get
plants roots to grow sideways.  The grew them a spinning wheel, where the
centripical force overcame the force of gravity.  



Rick from Wisconsin
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