Phototropism is the growth of plants in response to light. When a plant detects light, it will bend or grow towards it. This behavior helps the plant maximize its exposure to sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to make their own food. Plants use special hormones called auxins to control this growth. When light shines on one side of a plant, auxins accumulate on the shaded side, causing that side to grow faster. As a result, the plant bends towards the light, ensuring it gets the energy it needs to thrive and survive.