thigmotropism

biology

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Thigmotropism is a biological response where an organism moves or changes its growth direction in reaction to touch or contact with a solid object. This type of tropism is particularly observed in climbing plants, which extend tendrils to grasp and curl around supports.1

Other forms of tropism include:
* Phototropism: Response to light.2
* Geotropism: Response to gravity.2
* Hydrotropism: Response to water.12
* Chemotropism: Response to specific substances.2

The term "thigmotropism" was introduced by German physiologist Max Verworn in 1889.3

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tropism
…substances), hydrotropism (response to water), thigmotropism (response to mechanical stimulation), traumatotropism (response to wound lesion), and galvanotropism, or electrotropism (response to electric current). Most tropic movements are orthotropic; i.e., they are directed toward the source of the stimulus. Plagiotropic movements are oblique to the direction of stimulus.
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…substances), hydrotropism (response to water), thigmotropism (response to mechanical stimulation), traumatotropism (response to wound lesion), and galvanotropism, or electrotropism (response to electric current). Most tropic movements are orthotropic; i.e., they are directed toward the source of the stimulus. Plagiotropic movements are oblique to the direction of stimulus.
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