Question

What is essential to plant growth?
A. Water
B. GHGs
C. CO$_2$
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Plant growth refers to the increase in the size of cell division, and synthesis of new cellular material. Plants need hormones and essential elements for healthy growth. Photorespiration and photosynthesis are the two important processes of plant growth.

Complete answer: A vital component to the survival of every plant in the world is water. It helps to obtain their food through the process of photosynthesis, growth by cell division, mitosis, respire through cellular respiration, and how they keep their formation (rigidity). It helps plants maintain their formation by transporting dissolved nutrients, amino acids, and sugars from the soil to areas where it is of high demand. It flows from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration by osmosis through cell membranes. Plants transpire through their leaves. tiny pores called stomata are present on the surface of leaves which open and collect carbon dioxide molecules for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process that uses atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce energy. CO$_2$ is used for various cellular level activities of plants which aid in the growth of plants. The amount of carbon dioxide available to plants determines the rate of photosynthesis. A higher amount of carbon dioxide boosts the process of photosynthesis. It also helps to reduce the rate of water loss by transpiration.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note: Though carbon dioxide is essential for development and growth in plants, higher concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide affect crops in two important ways. They boost crop yields by increasing the rate of photosynthesis but reduce the amount of water crops lose through transpiration. Carbon dioxide is used by plants during the process of photosynthesis. Plants need hormones and essential elements for healthy growth.