3 examples of physiological processes regulated by plants
1) Photosynthesis: Plants have specialized cells called chloroplasts that carry out photosynthesis, which is the process of converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (energy) and oxygen. This process is crucial for plant growth, as glucose serves as the main source of energy for various physiological functions.
2) Transpiration: Transpiration is the loss of water from plant leaves through small openings called stomata. Plants regulate the rate of transpiration to balance water uptake and prevent excessive water loss. This process helps in maintaining plant hydration, nutrient uptake, and cooling of leaves.
3) Hormone regulation: Plants produce various hormones, such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and abscisic acid, that play crucial roles in regulating physiological processes. These hormones control plant growth, flowering, fruit development, leaf abscission (shedding), and responses to environmental stimuli like light and gravity.