Answer to Question 1The Q10 effect is defined as the speed by which any chemical reaction rate increases or decreases when
subjected to a 10oC temperature change. Respiration rates are greatly influenced by temperature, both
the temperature roots experience in the soil environment and leaves in the open air. When the
temperature rises, respiration rates are faster and the opposite is true; cooler temperatures slow
respiration rates. This does not occur in a linear fashion, however. Even small temperature changes
can double or triple respiration rates and this can have immense effects on the plant growth, plant
performance, and overall looks.
Answer to Question 2Carbon dioxide is a chief ingredient of photosynthesis and is taken from the air. Water, the second
chief ingredient, is taken up by roots in liquid form or by stomata, specialized pores on the undersides
of leaves, in vapor form. Light must be present for this chemical reaction to occur. When there is no
light, there is no chlorophyll production and eventually, a plant will die. An important result is that
plants make pure oxygen from this process (photosynthesis), which then becomes available for the
animal kingdom to utilize.