Introduction
Plants, just like humans, need certain things in order to survive, grow and thrive. Among the most important things that plants need are water and sunlight. In this article, we will delve deep into the reasons why plants need these two vital components for their survival.
Water
Water is an essential part of a plant's life. It is required for several reasons, chief of which is photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process through which plants convert sunlight into energy. The water that is absorbed by the plant's root system helps to transport the necessary minerals and nutrients from the soil up to the leaves where photosynthesis takes place. Without adequate water, a plant's ability to produce energy is impaired, which can lead to stunted growth, yellow or brown leaves and even death.
Water also helps a plant to regulate its temperature. This is especially important during periods of high heat when water is lost through transpiration, which is the process through which plants lose moisture through tiny pores on the surface of their leaves. Through water uptake and transpiration, plants are able to regulate their internal temperature and keep themselves from overheating.
Sunlight
The importance of sunlight to plant growth and survival is well documented. Sunlight is the primary source of energy for plants through the process of photosynthesis. In addition to providing energy for a plant's metabolic processes, sunlight is also important for the regulation of a plant's growth and development.
Without sufficient sunlight, plants are unable to produce enough energy to support their growth and development. This can result in stunted growth, leaf drop, and a reduced ability to combat disease and pests. Furthermore, sunlight is responsible for triggering several important physiological events in plants, such as the opening and closing of leaves, fruit formation and ripening, and the initiation of flowering and seed germination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, water and sunlight are essential components for the survival and growth of all plants. Water provides the necessary minerals and nutrients for photosynthesis, helps to regulate a plant's temperature, and promotes normal growth and development. Sunlight is the primary source of energy for plants, stimulates physiological events such as growth, ripening, and flowering, and helps to regulate a plant's overall growth and development. Without these two essential components, plants would be unable to survive and thrive in their respective environments.