The Respiratory Function of Plants
When we admire green plants, we often consider them as natural oxygen bars. But when night falls, are these green lives still silently engaging in oxygen exchange? The hidden life activity of plant respiration demonstrates exquisite survival rules in the alternation of day and night.
Basic Principles of Plant Respiratory Function
Energy Conversion at the Cellular Level
Plants continuously carry out gas exchange through living cells, combining stored glucose with oxygen to produce 38 ATP energy units within mitochondria. This biochemical reaction network involves 12 key enzyme systems, and the reaction rate increases 2-3 times for every 10℃ rise in temperature, which is an important reason for the vigorous metabolism of tropical plants.
Switching Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Modes
When soil waterlogging leads to root hypoxia, aquatic plants such as rice will activate the alcohol dehydrogenase system, converting pyruvate into ethanol. Although this emergency metabolism is only 1/19 as efficient as aerobic respiration, it can help plants survive floods for 3-7 days.
The Impact of Respiration on Plant Development
Energy Supply System
Respiration rate surges by 300% during seed germination, providing the explosive force for the radicle to break through the seed coat. Mature fruits produce ethylene through respiratory跃变 (transition), regulating the post-ripening process. Data shows that for every 1mgCO2/kg·h increase in respiration intensity during apple storage, the shelf life is reduced by 2-3 days.
Hub of Metabolic Intermediates
The α-ketoglutaric acid produced by the tricarboxylic acid cycle is a precursor for the synthesis of glutamate, an amino acid that accounts for 40% of the total free amino acids in plants. NADPH produced by respiration also provides reducing power for the synthesis of anthocyanins, directly affecting flower coloration.
From the water-saving strategy of desert plants opening stomata at night to the survival wisdom of high mountain plants reducing respiratory consumption, the regulatory mechanism of respiration shows the exquisite adaptation of plants to the environment. Understanding this life rhythm allows us to scientifically control temperature and humidity in horticultural care, plan harvest time rationally in agricultural production, and select suitable species in ecological restoration.