Plant Processes 16.00: Analyze the process of growth in horticultural plants

Processes of plant growth Photosynthesis Respiration Absorption Transpiration Translocation Reproduction

Photosynthesis The food and manufacturing process in green plants that combines carbon dioxide and water in the presence of light to make sugar and oxygen. –Formula: 6CO 2 +6H 2 O+672Kcal C 6 H 12 O 6 +6O 2 Carbon Dioxide Water Light Energy Glucose Sugar Oxygen

Respiration The process through which plant leaves, stems and roots consume oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. Plants produce much more oxygen through photosynthesis than they use through respiration.

Absorption The process by which plant roots take in water and air

Transpiration The process by which plants lose water from leaves and stems through evaporation

Translocation The process by which food and nutrients are moved within a plant from one plant part to another

Reproduction The plant process that increases plant numbers –usually by seeds

Stages of Plant Growth Juvenile-when a plant first starts to grow from a seed Reproductive-when a plant produces flowers, seeds and fruits Dormant-when a plant rests or grows very little, if any

Plant Cells Basic unit of growth A nucleus and a mass of protoplasm contained within a plasma membrane

Parts of a Plant Cell Nucleus –location of plants genetic and hereditary make-up

Protoplasm –the living matter of the cell Plasma Membrane –surrounds protoplasm and allows for exchange of nutrients and gases into and out of cell Parts of a Plant Cell

Cell Wall –rigid and provides support for the cell and thus the whole plant Parts of a Plant Cell

Other Structures –Chloroplasts –Vacuole –Plastids –Mitochondrion Parts of a Plant Cell

Plant Cells

Plant tissue A group of cells with similar origin and function Classified according to their origin, structure and physiology Structure of permanent tissue –simple-usually one type of cell –complex-several types of cells

Tissue origin and function Meristematic-near tip of stems and roots where cell division and enlargement occur Vascular cambium-increase growth in diameter of stems

Simple Tissues Epidermal-one-cell thick, outer layer, protects and prevents water loss Sclerenchyma-have thickened cell walls and contain fibers to give strength and support to plant structures

Other tissues Collenchyma-have thick cell walls that strengthen and support plant structures Parenchyma-fleshy part of plant that stores water and nutrients

Phases of the asexual cycle Vegetative-growth and development of buds, roots, leaves and stems –cell elongation-stage when cells enlarge –differentiation-stage when cells specialize Reproductive or flowering-plant develops flower buds that will develop into flowers, fruits and seeds

Effects of Light, Moisture, Temperature and Nutrients on Plants

Light Photoperiodism-response of plants to different amounts of light regarding their flowering and reproduction cycles Necessary because of photosynthesis Not enough light causes long, slender, spindly stems Too much light will cause plants to dry out faster

Moisture Needed in large amounts because plant tissues are mostly water and water carries nutrients Not enough water causes wilting and stunted growth Too much water causes small root systems and drowning which is a result of air spaces in soil being filled with water

Temperature Needs vary depending on type of plants Either too high or too low will have adverse effects VS

Nutrients Essential for optimal plant conditions Has little effect on seed germination

Combining growth factors Ideal quantities and quality will give optimum plant growth Each has an effect on the other factors Unfavorable environmental conditions for plant growth causes diseases to be more severe in their damages to plants