Activity 1.1: Plants and Light

You are going to find out what happens to plants that do not get light.

1. Sow some small seeds on damp filter paper in two identical dishes. Leave them in a warm place to germinate. Make sure that they do not dry out.

2. When the seeds have germinated, put one set into a dark cupboard or into a closed cardboard box. Leave the other set in a light place. Keep giving them both a little water. Try to make sure that the temperature is the same for both sets of seedlings.

3. After two days, compare the appearance of the two sets of seedlings. You could also make labeled drawings of a seedling from each set.

Questions:

A1. Explain why it was important to keep one set of seedlings in the light.

A2. Explain why it was important that the temperature was the same for both sets of seedlings.

Summary

In your experiment, light is essential for proper plant growth as it allows for photosynthesis, while consistent temperature ensures that growth differences are solely attributed to the light conditions. Keeping conditions constant except for light will provide clearer data regarding plant responses. Ultimately, plants need adequate light to develop healthily, and temperature consistency supports fair comparisons.

Explanation:

Importance of Light and Temperature for Seedlings

In your experiment with seedlings, it is crucial to keep one set in light to observe the effects of photosynthesis. Plants require light to produce energy through photosynthesis, allowing them to grow and develop properly. Without light, seedlings will exhibit etiolation, a condition where plants grow tall and spindly in search of light, leading to weak and unhealthy plants. For example, lettuce seeds, which need light for germination, will not sprout successfully if kept in the dark.

Role of Temperature Consistency

Keeping the temperature the same for both sets of seedlings is important to ensure that any differences in growth observed are due to light conditions and not influenced by varying temperatures. Temperature significantly affects plant metabolism and can influence germination rates and growth. For instance, if one set of seedlings is kept in a warmer environment, it may grow faster than the one in a cooler setting, skewing your experimental results.

Learn more about plant growth here:

https://brainly.com/question/40457328