Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Why might plants grown with less light sometimes grow taller than plants grown with more light?
A
Plants grown with less light have more chlorophyll, which directly causes increased height.
B
Plants grown with less light absorb more water, causing them to swell and grow taller.
C
Plants grown with less light elongate their stems to reach for light, a process known as etiolation.
D
Plants grown with less light have higher rates of photosynthesis, leading to more rapid growth.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of etiolation: Etiolation is a process where plants grown in low light conditions elongate their stems excessively in an attempt to reach light. This is an adaptive response to maximize their chances of survival by finding a light source for photosynthesis.
Recognize the role of light in plant growth: Light is essential for photosynthesis, which provides energy for plant growth. In low light conditions, plants prioritize stem elongation over other growth processes to reach light.
Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze the provided options. For example, the idea that plants grown with less light have more chlorophyll or higher rates of photosynthesis is incorrect because chlorophyll production and photosynthesis are limited in low light conditions. Similarly, the claim that plants absorb more water in low light is unrelated to stem elongation.
Focus on the correct explanation: Plants grown with less light elongate their stems as part of the etiolation process. This elongation is driven by hormonal changes, particularly an increase in auxin activity, which promotes cell elongation in the stem.
Conclude with the adaptive significance: Etiolation helps plants survive in low light environments by increasing their chances of reaching a light source, which is critical for photosynthesis and overall growth.