Question

The factors which influence growth are _________________.
a. Nutrients
b. Water, oxygen
c. Light, temperature
d. All of these

Answer 1

Growth can be defined as the sequential changes in physical characteristics such as height, weight, size, etc. Due to the growth, the cell increases in size and number that take place during the life history of an organism. Growth and development are the simultaneous features of organisms.

Complete answer:
Growth in the organisms is the result of the synthesis of more protoplasm, cell division, cell enlargement, and cell differentiation. It's not a random process, it takes place in such an organized way that finally determines the size and shape of the individual. Growth may have occurred in special regions of the organism. For example, the layers of cells that divide and increase in size near the tip of the plant shoot. Which cells are engaged in the process of growth may be widely distributed throughout the body of the organism. And further, the rates of growth i.e. cell division and the increase in cell size vary in different parts of the body. This pattern of growth is predetermined. There are some organisms in which no regular pattern of growth can be seen.

There are various factors which influence the process of growth. Nutrition plays an important role in growth because every organism needs food and nutrients to build and repair itself. Malnutrition can lead to deficiency diseases which have a major chance to affect the growth and development of children.

Several environmental factors such as water, oxygen, temperature, light, etc. also affect the growth of both plants and animals. Water carries the dissolved sugar and other nutrients through the plant and helps in the growth of the plant. Oxygen is important for the growth of various bacteria because in those bacteria methods of energy production and respiration depend on the transfer of electrons to oxygen. Light is important for the photosynthesis through which plants produce their food and nutrients. Light also controls the different types of movement of the plants. A suitable temperature also plays a vital role in the growth.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Growth is an important characteristic of both animals and plants. Growth occurs due to the synthesis of more protoplasm, cell division, cell enlargement, and cell differentiation. This process of growth is influenced by all those factors which influence biosynthetic machinery. Food, nutrients, water, oxygen, optimum temperature, optimum light, minerals, gravity, etc. are the factors that can influence growth.