Yes, the asymmetric distribution of a growth-promoting chemical, specifically auxin, can cause a coleoptile (the protective sheath covering a germinating seedling) to grow toward the light. This phenomenon is known as phototropism.
When a coleoptile is exposed to light from one direction, auxin (a plant hormone that promotes cell elongation) is distributed unevenly. Auxin accumulates on the shaded side of the coleoptile while the side exposed to light has lower auxin concentration. This difference in auxin concentration leads to differential growth rates: cells on the shaded side elongate more than those on the light-exposed side. As a result, the coleoptile bends toward the light, allowing the plant to maximize its exposure to sunlight, which is crucial for photosynthesis and overall growth.
Thus, the asymmetric distribution of auxin in response to light is a key mechanism through which plants exhibit phototropism.