Gardening
Colorado Master Gardenersm Program Colorado Gardener Certificate Training
Colorado State University Extension
CMG GardenNotes #141
Plant Physiology:
Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Transpiration
Outline: Photosynthesis, page 1 Respiration, page 2 Transpiration, page 3
Thought question Explain the science behind the following question 1. What’s the impact on air temperatures when restrictions in landscape irrigation create droughty urban landscapes?
The three major functions that are basic to plant growth and development are: • • • Photosynthesis – The process of capturing light energy and converting it to sugar energy, in the presence of chlorophyll using carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Respiration – The process of metabolizing (burning) sugars to yield energy for growth, reproduction, and other life processes Transpiration – The loss of water vapor through the stomata of leaves
Photosynthesis
A primary difference between plants and animals is the plant’s ability to manufacture its own food. In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil react with the sun’s energy to form photosynthates (sugars, starches, carbohydrates, and proteins) and release oxygen as a byproduct. [Figure 1]
Figure 1. In photosynthesis, the plant uses water and nutrients from the soil, and carbon dioxide from the air, with the sun’s energy to create photosynthates. Oxygen is releases as a byproduct.
141-1
Photosynthesis literally means to put together with light. It occurs only in the chloroplasts, tiny sub-cellular structures contained in the cells of leaves and green stems. A simple chemical equation for photosynthesis is given as follows: carbon dioxide + water + light energy = glucose 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy = C6H12O6
.
+ oxygen + 6O2
This process is directly dependent on the supply of water, light, and carbon dioxide. Limiting any one of the factors on the left side of the equation (carbon dioxide, water, or light)
Colorado State University Extension
CMG GardenNotes #141
Plant Physiology:
Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Transpiration
Outline: Photosynthesis, page 1 Respiration, page 2 Transpiration, page 3
Thought question Explain the science behind the following question 1. What’s the impact on air temperatures when restrictions in landscape irrigation create droughty urban landscapes?
The three major functions that are basic to plant growth and development are: • • • Photosynthesis – The process of capturing light energy and converting it to sugar energy, in the presence of chlorophyll using carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Respiration – The process of metabolizing (burning) sugars to yield energy for growth, reproduction, and other life processes Transpiration – The loss of water vapor through the stomata of leaves
Photosynthesis
A primary difference between plants and animals is the plant’s ability to manufacture its own food. In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil react with the sun’s energy to form photosynthates (sugars, starches, carbohydrates, and proteins) and release oxygen as a byproduct. [Figure 1]
Figure 1. In photosynthesis, the plant uses water and nutrients from the soil, and carbon dioxide from the air, with the sun’s energy to create photosynthates. Oxygen is releases as a byproduct.
141-1
Photosynthesis literally means to put together with light. It occurs only in the chloroplasts, tiny sub-cellular structures contained in the cells of leaves and green stems. A simple chemical equation for photosynthesis is given as follows: carbon dioxide + water + light energy = glucose 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy = C6H12O6
.
+ oxygen + 6O2
This process is directly dependent on the supply of water, light, and carbon dioxide. Limiting any one of the factors on the left side of the equation (carbon dioxide, water, or light)