Plant Processes

1. Photosynthesis

This is how plants make their food. Plants manufacture

carbohydrates (sugars and starches) in their leaves, which have the green pigment chlorophyll.
This process also uses carbon dioxide from the air, water from the soil, and light (usually
sunlight).

Chemical equation for photosynthesis:

6H2O + 6CO2 + ENERGY (light) C6H12O6 + 6O2

Word equation:

Water + carbon-dioxide + ENERGY (light) glucose (carbohydrate) + oxygen

Photosynthesis is affected by:

✔ Carbon-dioxide concentration
✔ Light intensity
✔ Temperature
✔ Soil water supply

2. Respiration

This is how sugar is broken down (oxidized), to release energy for growth and development. It is
the opposite of photosynthesis, which is how molecules that store energy is built up.

Chemical equation for respiration:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 6H2O + 6CO2 + ENERGY (light)

Word equation:

Glucose (carbohydrate) + oxygen Water + carbon-dioxide + ENERGY (light)

The energy released is essential for plant growth and the formation of new cells. It powers all
cell functions and the movement of substances throughout the plant.

3. Transpiration

This is the process by which plants lose water from their leaves and green stems. The water
vapor escapes through the stomata, which are small holes on the leaves or green stems.

Transpiration is the loss of water, the form of water vapor, and results in the uptake and
transport of water through the plant from the roots to the leaves. Transpiration is affected by
environmental factors such as:
 ✔ Sunlight
✔ Temperature
✔ Wind
✔ Humidity
✔ Water-soil content

Wilting: if transpiration exceeds absorption of water by the plant, then cells will wilt. This may
be temporary at first and can be reversed if the water is supplied, but permanent wilting
results in death.

4. Absorption

Cells need to take up water, mineral ions, and food substances. Cells also need to get rid of
waste materials. All substances need to pass through the cell membranes to get in or out of
cells.

The absorption of water is essential for photosynthesis, respiration, and the movement of
water, mineral ions, and food substances. All these processes are interrelated and contribute to
plant growth and development. If the absorption of water is reduced, it will affect growth and
development. Wilting will occur if plants cannot absorb sufficient water.

5. Translocation

This is the process of transporting water, mineral ions, and food substances in specialized
tissues within the plant.

Water and mineral ions from the soil move upwards through the xylem to the leaves. Food
minerals (sugars) manufactured in leaves are translocated downwards to the lower plant for
storage. Soluble food substances move from storage organs to growing points, buds, flowers,
and fruits.

6. Phototropism

This is plant growth in response to the direction of the light. If the

tips of plant shoots are exposed to light, they will bend and grow
towards it. This is an example of positive phototropism. It benefits the
plant as it places leaves in the best position for photosynthesis.

7. Photoperiodism

This refers to the influence of day length (duration of light) on the production of flowers.

Click on the link below to further understand Photoperiodism:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQf3gKTCffs&t=5s