Page 161 - Photosynthesis: The Green Miracle

Harun Yahya

Long day Short day

Short day Long day

The chrysanthemum blooms in early autumn, when days are growing short. It
grows very quickly in a short space of time.

For example, the chrysanthemum, a short-daylight plant, opens its flow-
ers in the early autumn, when the days are growing shorter, and grows its
shoots and buds in summer when days are longest. However, no matter
how much light may reach the plant, photosynthesis still continues, at a

greater or lesser degree. 75

3. Heat

Plants need warmth to carry out photosynthesis and survive. Plants
open their flowers, sprout leaves, and germinate their seeds and all at spe-

cific temperatures—vital activities that come to an end when tempera-
tures drops below a critical level. For example, forest trees begin their
growth stage when the general temperature rises above 10 degrees
Celsius. This figure is 5 degrees Celsius for agricultural crops. Chemical

processes increase by two or three times as temperature rises. But exces-
sively low or high temperatures may stress plants, inhibit growth so as to
create a spindly appearance, or cause foliage to wither or fall premature-
ly. 76

159