Re: Why do new plants that don't get sunlight grow faster then the plants that do?

Chassidy,

I believe your question dealt with why plants growing in the dark grew faster than those growing in the light. Your whole question is not printed here. Light inhibits stem elongation so that when light is removed the stem elongates. This is an advantage to the plant. When seeds are germinating below ground they are using stored food reserves to grow. A plant produces it's own food using carbon dioxide, water and the suns energy. The faster the developing plant can reach the sun the sooner it can start making it's own food by the process of photosynthesis. Plants growing in the dark have several other protective mechanisms. The leaves fail to expand which protects them from damage when the plant is pushing through the soil. Also, the tip of the stem is bent over into a structure called the plumular hook, which protects the dividing cells at the tip from damage while pushing through the soil. You might want to try growing seeds in the light and in the dark to see all these differences. And remember, even though the plant in the dark looks like it is growing best, it will soon use up it's food reserves and die, while the plant in the light, although smaller, will survive.

Thank you for letting me answer your question.

Cyndy