Back to: Botany 300 Level
Hello, my brilliant Afrilearn scholar! I hope you’re having a fantastic day! Have you ever wondered why certain plants grow well in Jos, where it’s cooler, while others thrive in Sokoto, where it’s very hot? Or why crops like cocoa do well in the south but not in the north? The answer lies in how temperature affects plant metabolism and distribution. Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, practical, and relatable.
Effects of temperature on plant metabolism and distribution
How Temperature Affects Plant Metabolism
Metabolism simply means all the chemical activities that happen inside a plant to keep it alive. These activities include photosynthesis (how plants make food), respiration (how they use energy), and enzyme activity (how chemical reactions occur). Temperature affects all of these in different ways.
Photosynthesis and Respiration – If the temperature is too low, plants produce food very slowly because the enzymes that help in photosynthesis become inactive. But if the temperature is too high, the enzymes get damaged, and photosynthesis stops. That’s why plants in extremely hot areas often struggle to grow well.
Enzyme Activity – Enzymes are like tiny machines inside plants that help them grow. These enzymes work best at a certain temperature (usually between 25°C and 35°C for most plants). If it’s too cold, the enzymes slow down, making growth slow. If it’s too hot, the enzymes stop working, and the plant may die.
Seed Germination – Have you noticed that maize seeds sprout faster in warm soil but take longer in cold soil? That’s because seeds need the right temperature to germinate. If it’s too cold, they stay dormant and won’t sprout.
Water Loss (Transpiration) – When temperatures are high, plants lose more water through their leaves. If the heat is too much and there’s not enough water in the soil, the plant may dry up and die.
How Temperature Affects Plant Distribution
Different plants have different temperature preferences. This is why certain plants are found in specific regions.
Tropical Plants – These plants love warm temperatures (20°C – 30°C). Examples include cocoa, oil palm, and cassava, which grow well in southern Nigeria, where the climate is hot and humid.
Temperate Plants – These plants prefer cooler climates (10°C – 20°C). In Nigeria, they are mostly found in highland areas like Jos, where crops like Irish potatoes and strawberries grow well.
Desert Plants – These plants survive in extreme heat and can store water for long periods. Examples include cactus and date palm, which are common in northern Nigeria.
Cold-Resistant Plants – Some plants can survive in extremely cold places like the Arctic. Though Nigeria doesn’t have such extreme conditions, plants like cabbage and carrots can still tolerate lower temperatures and grow in places like Mambilla Plateau.
Summary
Temperature plays a huge role in plant metabolism by affecting photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme activity, and seed germination. It also influences plant distribution, as different plants thrive in different temperature ranges. Tropical plants love warm regions, temperate plants prefer cooler climates, and desert plants survive in extreme heat. Understanding this helps us know where and when to plant crops for the best yield.
Evaluation
- How does temperature affect plant metabolism?
- Why do some plants grow well in Jos but not in Sokoto?
- What happens to enzymes when the temperature is too low or too high?
- Give two examples of plants that grow well in warm regions and two that prefer cooler climates.
You are doing excellently well! Keep going, and soon, you’ll understand how to help plants grow better, even in difficult conditions. Who knows? You might be the one to solve Nigeria’s farming challenges! Keep learning with Afrilearn, and see you in the next lesson!
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