Analysis of growth during light‐induced hook opening in cress

Growth in various regions of the hypocotyls of dark‐grown cress seedlings before and after exposure lo continuous white light has been analysed by time‐lapse photography. In the dark, growth in the hook was minimal, the upward growth of the seedling being sustained by extension of the shank, especially the uppermost zones. Following irradiation, the hook and the remainder of the hypocotyl showed dissimilar growth responses. Previously growing regions of the shank were inhibited while zones within the hook, especially the apical end of the inner (concave) side, showed marked growth stimulation. These changes in growth rates commenced within 1 h from exposure to the light stimulus and thus considerably preceded any observable changes in hook angle.