Galvanotropism

galvanotropism [‚gal·və′nä·trə‚piz·əm]

(biology)

Response of an organism to electrical stimulation.

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Galvanotropism 

the deflection of the growing axial organs of plants (roots and shoots) or the sessile forms of animals under the influence of direct electric current passing through the surrounding medium. As in other tropisms the deflection of an organ toward the anode or cathode is a result of the acceleration or retardation of growth on one of its sides. This is controlled by the properties of the organism’s physiology, the current density, and attendant factors such as illumination, temperature, salt content of the medium, and duration of the action. The basis of galvanotropism is assumed to be the displacement of the anion and cation concentrations as a result of the electrolysis of the salts (an effect of chemotropism) or the transfer of hormones from one part of an organ to another through the action of the electric current.