Bending of shoot of a plant towards light can be referred to as

Bending of a plant shoot towards a light source is defined as positive phototropism [2]. Tropisms are directional growth movements in response to environmental stimuli; when the movement is towards the stimulus, it is termed 'positive', and when away, it is 'negative' [1]. In plants, shoots typically exhibit positive phototropism to maximize light capture for photosynthesis, while roots often show negative phototropism by growing away from light [3]. This process is mediated by the hormone auxin, which is synthesized at the shoot tip and diffuses to the shady side, causing cells there to elongate and the shoot to bend toward the light [3]. In contrast, photoperiodism refers to physiological responses like flowering based on day/night length [2], and photonasty is a non-directional response to light intensity.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Control and Coordination > Activity 6.2 > p. 107
2. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > z,1,z.g. Classification based on length of photoperiod required for floral initiation > p. 355
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Control and Coordination > Activity 6.2 > p. 108