Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis, Transpiration, and Respiration
Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis, Transpiration, and Respiration The three major functions that are basic to plant growth and development are: • Photosynthesis – The process of using chlorophyll to capture light energy and convert it to energy stored in sugars. Photosynthesis uses light energy, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O) to generate glucose with a byproduct of oxygen. • Transpiration – The loss of water vapor through the stomates of leaves. • Respiration – The process of metabolizing (burning) sugars to yield energy for growth, reproduction, and other life processes. Respiration uses glucose and oxygen to generate kinetic energy, with a byproduct of carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis A primary difference between plants and animals is the plant’s ability to manufacture its own food. In photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide from air and water in the soil with the sun’s energy to generate photosynthates (sugar) releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Photosynthesis litera