06 Main Plant Growth Factors

Question 1

Light

Answer 1

Light is needed for:
photosynthesis (provides the input energy to allow the chemical reaction to take place)
transpiration (light and the heat it creates is needed so that water evaporates from the leaves and creates a negative pressure helping water to move upwards in the plant against gravity)

Question 2

Air

Answer 2

Plants require both Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen to survive.

Carbon Dioxide: used in photosynthesis where it combines with water to create glucose (sugar) which is how plants store energy to use it later (when it is dark out).

This process takes place in the chloroplasts within the plant cells and releases Oxygen.

Oxygen is used in the process of cellular respiration where glucose (sugar) is broken down in the mitochondria of the plant cells allowing the stored energy to be released and used by the plant cells to function. This process releases Carbon Dioxide.

Question 3

Water

Answer 3

Water is used in plants for:
photosynthesis (part of the chemical reaction needed to create glucose)
dissolving minerals and other substances to allow them to move within the plant
creating turgor pressure within the cells so that the plant can remain upright (plants wilt without water)

Question 4

Nutrients and Hormones