PLANTS

Plants. Oh how much we as humans rely on plants. No, not only do humans depend on
plants but all lifeforms on this wonderful planet. Humans depend on plants in numerous
ways. One reason we depend on plants is for consumption. Plants have the unique
ability of producing their own food through a process called photosynthesis. In this
process, plants are able to produce macromolecules such as carbohydrates that cannot
be produced in animals or humans. In humans, the only to gain these macromolecules
is to consume plant matter, or consume plant-eating animals (herbivores).
When humans consume plants, the carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins that are broken
down through two forms of cellular respiration. The two processes of cellular respiration
displayed in humans are anaerobic or aerobic. The deciding process used depends on
the presence of oxygen. This means that humans not only need plants for eating, but
also need their created oxygen to break the food down efficiently.
In humans, cellular respiration also produces heat also needed in the body for
thermoregulation, Thermoregulation that is an example of temperature homeostasis in
humans, requires heat energy to maintain a relatively constant internal temperature. All
the heat energy that is needed for survival would not exist without plants.
Water is also a requirement in humans, and is needed for the body to balance fluid
through osmoregulation. By consuming plants, the water that they contain will also be
transferred to the consumer. An example of this could be in the consumption of
coconuts. Coconuts usually contain a good supply of water. The water found in young
coconuts contains electrolytes and a pH level similar to human blood. This could be
beneficial by providing fast hydration and are normally found in warm tropical climates
where hydration is a major concern.
Other then being used for consumption, plants also provide shelter from the
environment. Trees provide shade, which creates a cooler temperature that helps
prevent dehydration.
This is why we need plants in our life, to make it easier!

Studenta: Demeter Emilia Georgiana

An II IG Sem. I