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Chapter 6: Problem 8

What is the advantage of a lower LCP for plant species adapted to low-light environments? What is the cost of maintaining a low LCP?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: A lower LCP is advantageous for plants adapted to low-light environments, as it enables them to effectively photosynthesize at low light intensities, thus sustaining their growth and survival in environments with limited light. However, maintaining a low LCP comes at a cost, as these plants often have a higher rate of respiration and allocate more resources to produce chlorophyll and other light-harvesting pigments. This higher energy requirement and resource allocation can be disadvantageous, especially when resources such as water and nutrients are limited.

Step by step solution

01

Define LCP

The Light Compensation Point (LCP) is the light intensity at which the rate of photosynthesis exactly equals the rate of respiration in a plant. In other words, it is the point where the amount of carbon dioxide fixed through photosynthesis equals the amount of carbon dioxide released through respiration. LCP varies among plant species depending on their ability to adapt to different light conditions.
02

Discuss the advantage of a lower LCP for low-light adapted plants

For plant species adapted to low-light environments, such as forest understories, having a lower LCP is advantageous as they can effectively photosynthesize at low light intensities. By having a lower LCP, these plants can make efficient use of the limited light available and sustain their growth and survival under low-light conditions. This makes them more competitive in environments where light levels are consistently low.
03

Discuss the cost of maintaining a low LCP

While a low LCP is advantageous for plants in low-light conditions, there is a cost associated with maintaining it. Plants with a lower LCP often have a higher rate of respiration, which means they use more energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) to maintain their cellular processes. This higher energy requirement can be a disadvantage, especially when resources such as water and nutrients are limited. Additionally, low-light adapted plants typically allocate more resources to produce chlorophyll and other light-harvesting pigments, which can be costly in terms of energy investment and resource allocation.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the advantage of the \(C_{4}\) photosynthetic pathway as compared to the conventional \(\mathrm{C}_{3}\) pathway? How might these advantages influence where these plant species are found?

In plants, the availability of light (PAR) to the leaf triggers photosynthesis. How would an increase in the amount of PAR affect the rate of photosynthesis?

How do plants regulate the trade-off between \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) uptake and water loss during photosynthesis?

How would an increase in the rate of cellular respiration influence the rate of net photosynthesis?

How does a decrease in soil water availability influence the allocation of carbon (photosynthates) to the production of roots?
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