For plants to grow, which condition must be met?

For plants to grow effectively, the rate of photosynthesis must exceed the rate of respiration. This condition is crucial because photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen as byproducts. This glucose serves as a vital source of energy and building blocks for cell growth and development.

When the rate of photosynthesis is greater than respiration, it means that the plant is generating more energy and organic matter than it is using for maintenance and growth processes. This surplus allows the plant to allocate resources toward growth, reproductive processes, and overall health.

In contrast, when respiration exceeds photosynthesis, the plant starts to deplete its energy reserves, leading to stunted growth and potentially death. If the rates of these processes were equal, the plant would neither gain energy for growth nor lose energy, resulting in a state of metabolic equilibrium that does not support growth. Alternating rates do not provide the consistency needed for sustained growth in the long term, as a plant requires a continuous surplus of energy for growth and development. Thus, having a net positive rate of photosynthesis is fundamental to plant growth.