Which growth factor is primarily influenced by sunlight exposure?

Photosynthesis is the process primarily influenced by sunlight exposure because it is through this process that plants convert light energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil. Utilizing sunlight, they produce glucose and oxygen as byproducts. This process occurs mainly in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures the sunlight required for the reaction.

The dependence on sunlight makes photosynthesis a critical growth factor for plants, as it directly affects their ability to make food, grow, and thrive. Abundant sunlight enhances the rate of photosynthesis, leading to stronger and healthier plants, while insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor health.

In contrast, while transpiration, respiration, and digestion are vital processes for plant health and function, they do not rely as heavily on sunlight as photosynthesis does. Transpiration involves the movement of water through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, respiration is the process by which plants convert sugars into energy, and digestion refers to the breaking down of complex substances into simpler ones, which are more about nutrient absorption rather than light. Therefore, the primary influence of sunlight exposure is indeed on photosynthesis.