Environmental factors play a big role in how plants grow. They affect two important processes: photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Let's break this down:
Light Intensity: When plants get more light, they can make food more quickly, but only to a certain limit. For example, plants in bright sunlight create more sugar than those that are in the shade.
Carbon Dioxide Levels: When there is more carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air, plants can photosynthesize faster. Greenhouses are a good example—by adding extra CO₂, plants grow more quickly inside them.
Temperature: The temperature affects how well these processes work. Photosynthesis works best around 25°C (77°F). If it gets too hot, the process slows down.
Water Availability: Water is crucial for photosynthesis and also affects cellular respiration. When it’s dry, plants close tiny openings (called stomata) to save water. This limits how much CO₂ they can take in.
By understanding how these factors work, we can help our plants grow healthier and improve farming methods.
Environmental factors play a big role in how plants grow. They affect two important processes: photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Let's break this down:
Light Intensity: When plants get more light, they can make food more quickly, but only to a certain limit. For example, plants in bright sunlight create more sugar than those that are in the shade.
Carbon Dioxide Levels: When there is more carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air, plants can photosynthesize faster. Greenhouses are a good example—by adding extra CO₂, plants grow more quickly inside them.
Temperature: The temperature affects how well these processes work. Photosynthesis works best around 25°C (77°F). If it gets too hot, the process slows down.
Water Availability: Water is crucial for photosynthesis and also affects cellular respiration. When it’s dry, plants close tiny openings (called stomata) to save water. This limits how much CO₂ they can take in.
By understanding how these factors work, we can help our plants grow healthier and improve farming methods.