Question

What is the importance of photosynthesis and respiration in plant growth and development?

Answer 1

Photosynthesis:

1. Photosynthesis is a process associated with sunlight.
2. In this process, food is synthesized using the components carbon dioxide and water.
3. Using sunlight and the green pigment chlorophyll, glucose and oxygen are formed as a product.
4. The energy generated is required for growth, flowering, fruit production, ripening of fruits, other metabolic activities of plants, etc.

Respiration:

1. The glucose formed during photosynthesis provides energy to the plants.
2. The process of respiration makes effective use of energy.
3. In this process, oxygen is given off by the plants to the surroundings.
4. The carbon dioxide is taken up from the surroundings in used in photosynthesis.
5. The glucose and oxygen synthesized during photosynthesis act as a substrate for cellular respiration in plants.
6. Respiration results in the production of adenosine triphosphate which acts as the energy currency of the plant cells.
7. Thus, this energy is utilized in the production of phytohormones resulting in the synthesis of auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins that promote the growth and development of the plant.

Hence, both photosynthesis and respiration are important processes for plants and both are interrelated to each other.