=houseplants that purify the air=. Air - the role of air in the life of humans, plants and animals What plants release into the surrounding air

Family and relationships 08.04.2024

Family and relationships

Plant respiration

represents a process corresponding to animal respiration. The plant absorbs atmospheric oxygen, and the latter affects the organic compounds of their body in such a way that water and carbon dioxide appear as a result. Water remains inside the plant, and carbon dioxide is released into the environment. In this case, destruction and waste of organic matter occurs; therefore, D. is directly opposite to the process of carbon assimilation. To a certain extent, it can be likened to the oxidation and combustion of a substance. Based on starch, the schematic equation of D. can be represented as follows:

C 6 H 10 O 5 (starch) + 6O 2 (oxygen) = 6CO 2 (carbon dioxide) + 5H 2 O (water)

This same equation, when read from right to left, gives a diagram of the assimilation process. The similarity of combustion with combustion is further enhanced by the fact that during combustion free energy is released, usually in the form of heat and sometimes light. The released energy goes to the body’s various needs: with the cessation of D., the life of the plant also stops [Some microorganisms (for example, anaerobic bacteria) can do without atmospheric oxygen; in such cases, the source of energy is not breathing, but other physiological processes.]. While the formation of water during D. is proven only on the basis of chemical tests, determining the loss of hydrogen by the plant (Boussingault), or by rather complex direct determinations (Lyaskovsky), it is quite simple to detect the release of carbon dioxide by the plant. For this purpose, pea or bean seeds that are just starting to germinate are placed in a graduated eudiometer at a certain height and then the eudiometer is closed with mercury. If after a few days we introduce a solution of caustic potassium into the eudiometer, we will notice that the mercury will rise significantly; Consequently, the eudiometer contains carbonic acid, which was absorbed by caustic potassium. For an accurate study (especially in quantitative terms) of plant biology, more complex devices are used. Their design is different, depending on whether they want to determine only the absorption of oxygen, or only the release of carbon dioxide, or, finally, both together. Volkov and Meyer's device meets the first goal. It consists of a glass tube bent in the shape of a U, with one elbow wider than the other. A plant and a small vessel with caustic potassium are inserted into the wide knee; then close it tightly with a ground glass stopper. A narrow elbow, previously calibrated and equipped with divisions, is closed with mercury. As carbonic acid forms, it is absorbed by potassium hydroxide; as a result, the volume of gas in the tube decreases and the mercury in the narrow elbow rises; The rise in mercury determines the amount of oxygen absorbed by the plant. To determine the amount of carbon dioxide released by a plant, it is best to use Pettenkofer tubes. The flow of air, previously freed from carbon dioxide, passes first through the device with the plants, and then through one or two Pettenkofer tubes filled with barite water [The air is drawn through using an aspirator]. All carbon dioxide released by plants is retained in the tubes in the form of carbon barium salt. Having determined by titration the amount of caustic barite remaining free, we find out the amount of carbon barium salt formed, and hence the amount of retained carbon dioxide. Instruments for simultaneous determination of the amounts of absorbed oxygen and released carbon dioxide (Bonnier and Mangin, Godlevsky, etc.), as too complex, can only be mentioned here.

D. in plants, of course, is not as vigorous as in warm-blooded animals, but it can be compared with D. in cold-blooded animals. The following figures from Garro give an idea of its absolute value (intensity): 12 lilac buds, which, being dried at 110°, weigh 2 grams, exhaled 70 cubic meters within 24 hours. see carbon dioxide, and during the experiment their leaves managed to bloom. Next, the poppy sprouts, which then weighed 0.45 grams in a dry state, released 55 cubic meters in 24 hours. see carbon dioxide. D.'s energy depends on various conditions: internal and external. Thus, Saussure (1804) proved that the respiration of flowers is more energetic than the respiration of green leaves of the same plant - with equal weight and volume, and the leaves, in turn, respire (in the dark) more intensely than the stems and fruits. Here is an example: the flowers of a white lily consumed in 24 hours a volume of oxygen 5 times greater than their own volume - while the leaves were only 2.6 times greater. Determining the energy of D. in green leaves (and chlorophyll-bearing organs in general) in the light is associated with significant difficulties, since in light, especially bright light, D. is masked by a much more intense and directly opposite process of carbon assimilation (assimilation). Boussingault's experiments showed, for example, that a square decimeter of the leaf surface of cherry laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus) and oleander (Nerium Oleander) decomposes an average of 5.28 cubic meters in light in 1 hour. sant. carbon dioxide, and exhales in the same period on average only 0.33-0.34 cubic meters. sant. To prove the D. of leaves in the light, Garro performed this kind of experiment: he placed 100 grams in a vessel. leaves along with a cup of caustic potassium solution, and then closed the vessel from below with water. Because after some time. While the water level in the vessel rose, from this he concluded that the leaves were releasing carbon dioxide and, therefore, about their D. in the light. - Energy D. is also in close connection with the phenomena of growth. The faster a plant grows, the more it absorbs oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. D. of young plants germinating from seeds is carried out very energetically, and at the same time it is accompanied by a significant waste of organic matter. With more or less prolonged germination in the dark [In the dark, plants cannot assimilate and replenish the loss of carbon] D. can destroy more than half of all organic matter; through such destruction and burning, it releases the energy necessary for the construction of a young plant. Internal conditions, however, influence not only the intensity of D., but also its qualitative side, changing the CO 2 /O 2 ratio itself, i.e. e. the ratio of the volumes of carbon dioxide released and oxygen absorbed. Sometimes CO 2 /O 2 = 1, i.e., the same amount of carbon dioxide is released as oxygen is absorbed. But the CO 2 /O 2 ratio can be either less or more than one. So, for example, in growing organs (Palladin), and especially in germinating oily seeds, CO 2 /O 2 1. In the first case, therefore, oxygen is acquired and assimilated, in the second, it is lost.

In contrast to internal conditions, external ones influence only D.’s energy, without at all changing the CO 2 /O 2 ratio. The influence of temperature in this direction is the strongest, and at the same time it is the best known. D.'s energy up to a certain temperature limit (about 40° C.) increases almost in direct proportion to the increase in temperature, and then remains constant until the death of the plant. As for light, its direct influence is felt, according to the experiments of Bonnier and Mangin, by some slowing down of D.; indirectly, light can favor D., at least the D. of chlorophyll-bearing plants (Borodin), since in the light the amount of carbohydrates (the result of assimilation) increases, those very compounds through which the process of D. occurs. D. is not without influence. plants, as well as animals, and the partial pressure of oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere. - Although with D., only nitrogen-free organic compounds disappear and decrease - carbohydrates and fats [According to Winogradsky's research, sulfur bacteria and nitrifying microorganisms oxidize minerals, using the energy released in the process. The former oxidize hydrogen sulfide to sulfur and sulfuric acid, the latter oxidize ammonia into nitrous and nitric acid], but this does not yet prove that atmospheric oxygen during the act of D. directly acts on these substances, destroying and burning them; it is more likely that they serve only as indirect material for D. and that oxygen initially acts on a complex protein particle. In both animals and plants, the process of heat develops. But since plants easily lose this heat into the environment, their body temperature is no higher than the ambient air temperature, and often even lower. But in some periods of life - during seed germination and during flowering - the plant temperature can rise many degrees above the ambient temperature (see Plant warmth). In a few cases, the energy released during D. even appears in the form of glow or phosphorescence. Such luminescence has so far been reliably observed only in lower plants: in some fungi and bacteria (see Luminous plants). Finally, internal, or intramolecular, D. consists in the fact that plants, being in an oxygen-free environment and, therefore, not absorbing oxygen, still continue to release carbon dioxide. This phenomenon has little in common with ordinary normal fermentation and usually comes close to fermentation processes (see Intramolecular fermentation and alcoholic fermentation). Special literature about D. plants, see: Palladin, “Plant Physiology” (1891); A. S. Famintsyn, “Textbook of Plant Physiology” (1887); Sachs, J. "Vorlesungen über Pflanzen-Physiologie" (1887); Pfeffer, W. "Pflanzenphysiologie" (1881); Van-Tieghem, Ph. "Traité de Botanique" (1891).

G. Nadson.

Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron. - S.-Pb.: Brockhaus-Efron. 1890-1907 .

See what “Plant respiration” is in other dictionaries:

The release of carbon dioxide by a plant, not accompanied by the absorption of oxygen. Experiments have shown that plants (fruits, leaves, roots) in an oxygen-free atmosphere continue to release carbon dioxide for some time and at the same time inside, in the tissues,... ...

One of the main vital functions, a set of processes that ensure the entry of O2 into the body, its use in redox processes, as well as the removal from the body of CO2 and certain other compounds that are the final... ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary

BREATHING, breathing, cf. (book). Action under Ch. breathe. Intermittent breathing. Artificial respiration (techniques used to resume lung activity during its temporary cessation; honey). || The process of oxygen absorption by a living organism... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

Diaphragmatic (abdominal) type of breathing in humans This term has other meanings, see Cellular respiration ... Wikipedia

A set of processes that ensure the entry of oxygen into the body and the release of carbon dioxide from it (external D.) and the use of oxygen by cells and tissues for the oxidation of organic substances with the release of... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

In a commonly used sense, it means a series of movements of the chest continuously alternating during life in the form of inhalation and exhalation and determining, on the one hand, an influx of fresh air into the lungs, and on the other, the removal of already spoiled air from them... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

Breathing is the most advanced form of the oxidative process and the most efficient way to obtain energy. The main advantage of respiration is that the energy of the oxidized substance of the substrate on which the microorganism grows... ... Biological encyclopedia

A set of processes that ensure the entry of oxygen into the body and the removal of carbon dioxide (external respiration), as well as the use of oxygen by cells and tissues for the oxidation of organic substances, releasing the energy necessary for... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

BREATHING, the process by which air enters and leaves the lungs for the purpose of GAS EXCHANGE. When you inhale, the muscles of the diaphragm raise the ribs, thereby increasing the volume of the CHEST, and air enters the LUNGS. When you exhale, the ribs lower and... Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary

BREATHING, BREATHING, I; Wed 1. The intake and release of air by the lungs or (in some animals) other relevant organs as a process of absorption of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide by living organisms. Respiratory system. Noisy, heavy... encyclopedic Dictionary

Incredible facts

Many people purchase indoor plants as a means of decorating and beautifying their home.

But home flowers are a real oxygen bomb.

Like any living creature, plants live by breathing.

During the day, the plant's carbon dioxide emissions decrease due to photosynthesis. But at night, plants do not have enough sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, and instead the release of carbon dioxide increases.

Few people know that some plants release oxygen even at night. The abundance of oxygen has a calming effect on the human body, reducing anxiety, nervousness and fighting insomnia.

Plants that release oxygen at night

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, without exaggeration, can be called a unique plant that should be in every home.

In addition to the fact that almost any skin and health problem can be cured thanks to its juice, it is reliably known that this plant also releases a lot of oxygen at night.

In addition, aloe vera is also an extremely hardy plant and does not require frequent watering or special care. The plant is absolutely unpretentious and reproduces very easily.

Therefore, you can litter your entire home with pots of aloe vera to get the most out of this plant.

2. Sansevieria (Mother-in-law's tongue)

Do you think this flower name sounds somehow ominous and unkind?

Calm down, you are in absolutely no danger. On the contrary, the mother-in-law's tongue plant is definitely the plant that you need to have at home.

It is rightfully considered one of the best natural air purifiers imaginable, and like aloe vera, this plant is also very low maintenance, long lasting and does not require any special care.

3. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem or Indian Azadirachta can be called, without exaggeration, synonymous with purity.

The benefits of this plant have long been documented by specialists on the Indian continent.

Neem not only purifies the air, but also acts as a natural pesticide, creating a barrier between you and pesky flies and mosquitoes. In fact, neem goes further than just killing pests, it absorbs them and also prevents the spread of new bugs by preventing them from laying larvae.

Growing this plant, unlike previous plants, requires a lot of work and patience. The room where the plant is kept should have plenty of sunlight, and it is also recommended to use high-quality soil.

4. Tulsi (Small basil)

While there are many benefits of eating the leaves of the basil plant, one must also note the great benefits of the aroma it imparts.

Tulsi leaves emit a very characteristic odor that has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system. By inhaling its aroma, we reduce anxiety and nervousness. In other words, Tulasi heals and restores our nerve cells.

When it's time to relax after a tiring day at work, this plant can be a real panacea and just the medicine that the doctor prescribes to treat nerves.

Useful house plants

5. Orchid

The orchid is undoubtedly one of the most desirable flowers and a real decoration for any home.

The aesthetic qualities of this flower can hardly be overestimated. However, if you think that an orchid is beautiful solely for its appearance, then you are very mistaken.

These beautiful flowers have been proven to release a lot of oxygen at night, making them ideal plants for the bedroom. So be sure to place a couple of pots of orchids near where you sleep.

This way you will ensure yourself and your loved ones a healthy and sound sleep.

In addition, they also remove xylene from the air, a harmful pollutant found in various dyes. In other words, thanks to the orchid, your home will be cleaner, fresher, and it will be easier to breathe deeply.

And even if you're an inexperienced gardener, don't worry. The orchid is a fairly unpretentious plant that does not require much care. It is enough to follow the basic rules for their care so that she will delight you with her beautiful flowers.

In fact, too much care for orchids and a lot of fuss around this plant can simply kill it. Just make sure it gets enough sunlight and water it properly, and the orchid will do the rest.

6. Orange gerbera

Bring some sunshine into your life by adding these bright orange flowers to your room.

These undeniably beautiful flowers simultaneously purify the air and also save us from many diseases. The benefits of orange gerberas are as follows: they cure colds and also prevent cancer.

It is important to note that this flower absorbs a toxic substance such as benzene. Gerbera promotes sound and quality sleep; it absorbs carbon dioxide exhaled by a person and releases oxygen instead.

When planting gerberas, it is worth considering some rules, because they are not very easy to replant and propagate.

7. Ficus benjamina

The myths surrounding this plant claim that the souls of the dead live among its leaves. But seriously, the benefits of ficus are obvious.

Apart from being a powerful source of oxygen, the leaves of this plant are also used to treat diabetes, prevent constipation and treat asthma. Perhaps that is why at one time Buddha meditated under this tree.

8. Cactus Rozhdestvennik (Decembrist)

Forget about Christmas tree decorations. The Christmas cactus is just what you need this holiday season.

This unique flower blooms only in December, but its succulent leaves provide health benefits throughout the year. The cactus releases oxygen even at night, promoting healthy and sound sleep.

It grows well in dark rooms, making it an ideal addition to your bedroom.

9. Plants of the palm family

Surely, many have noticed that plants of the palm family are universal plants that are present in doctors’ offices, as well as emergency departments.

This plant perfectly cleanses the air of harmful impurities and gases, and also moisturizes it, filling it with useful microelements.

Therefore, it will also be useful to have plants of the palm family in your bedroom. They will effectively remove impurities and help improve sleep.

Despite the fact that these plants are natives of tropical forests, they prefer rooms with a minimum amount of sunlight. The palm tree requires careful care, however, its benefits cannot be overestimated.

10. Kalanchoe

This flower, in addition to having extraordinary beauty and attractiveness, is also distinguished by rare beneficial properties.

In order for Kalanchoe to grow and bloom well, the presence of water and an abundance of bright sunlight are very important.

It is worth remembering that this plant fills the air with oxygen both day and night. It is also reliably known that the smell of Kalanchoe effectively fights depression, bad mood and sleep problems.

Indoor plants have a certain energy that has a beneficial effect on the aura of the home. People feel this intuitively, which is why they strive to decorate their home with flowers and decorative greenery. They have a calming effect on the human psyche, balance his moral background, and give strength and confidence. In addition, absolutely all indoor plants are capable of influencing the microflora of the room. They release beneficial compounds into the surrounding atmosphere and absorb harmful substances from it. Today we invite you to learn more about such plants - true friends of man.

The downside of comfort

In our age, people strive to live in comfortable conditions. But when making expensive repairs, we do not think that the building materials and finishing materials used today evaporate substances harmful to health. The latter account for about 80% of unsafe connections. Not to mention the harmful effects of household appliances and household chemicals.

As a result, we are under a constant “hood” of carbon monoxide and nitrogenous compounds, formaldehyde and phenols, ammonia and acetone, volatile compounds of heavy metals - in total, experts have counted about a hundred types of such poisons. Moreover, there are significantly more harmful substances in the indoor atmosphere than in the “outdoor” air - one and a half to four times. The so-called rectangular style inherent in modern interiors also contributes to its unfavorable impact on the psyche of people.

This is what it is, the other side of the desired comfort. Frankly speaking, it’s not pleasant. But not hopeless. Indoor plants will help you cope with the negative impact of the benefits of modern civilization and benefit your health. Moreover, they can calm you down, relieve fatigue and the effects of stress just by their appearance. It has long been proven that the color green has the unique ability to pacify a person, set him in a positive mood, and “drive” all bad thoughts out of his head.

What are some useful plants?

Representatives of indoor flora that are beneficial to our health will not only decorate the interior of a home or office, but will also allow us to breathe clean and fresh air. They will help you improve your health, get rid of the blues and depression, and protect you from many ailments.

Plants that purify the air. They have pronounced air-purifying abilities. Let's name them. This chlorophytum crested, crassula arborescens, asparagus, epipremnum pinnate, monstera, spurge.

Plants that fight pathogens.

Myrtle, ruellia, dieffenbachia, psidium, Sanchetia destroy the causative agent of staphylococcal infection.
Begonia, aglaonema, Andre and Scherzer anthurium, Japanese euonymus defeat streptococcal microorganisms.
Laurel, cherry laurel and poncyrus your allies in the fight against E. coli (laurel helps well with spasms of the intestines and biliary tract).
Mint, sage, monarda, hyssop, lavender will cope with Klebsiella, which causes meningitis, pneumonia, sinusitis and other diseases.
Begonia, myrtle, rosemary, dieffenbachia, anthurium, pelargonium, sansevieria, tradescantia, epipremnum, crassula arborescens, aglaonema reduce the total number of microorganisms contained in indoor air.

Plants that absorb harmful substances. This chlorophytum, aloe, climbing philodendron. They are able to absorb phenols and formaldehyde evaporating from new furniture and destroy pathogenic microflora. Ivy, and dracaenas utilize benzene, and chlorophytum and epipremnum pinnate purify the air of carbon monoxide.

Plants that ionize air. Monstera, ferns, pelargonium, Saintpaulia. Improves air quality in the kitchen.

Chlorophytum - air purifier

The leader in the degree of beneficial influence on the home is often called chlorophytum. And deservedly so: it is an order of magnitude more effective than any technical device for air purification. This beautiful and at the same time unpretentious plant, with proper care, can produce a lot of “whiskers” with “babies”, and easily “deals” with the formaldehyde released by the thermal insulation. It has been experimentally established that ten chlorophytums are enough to absorb this substance in an average-sized apartment.

In addition, it perfectly cleans the air of nitrogen and sulfur compounds and phenols. Therefore, chlorophytum needs to be “settled” in homes with new furniture and, of course, in kitchens where toxic gas combustion products accumulate. At the same time - as they say, “in return” - it releases into the surrounding atmosphere biologically active substances and phytoncides that can cope with certain types of pathogenic microflora.

Other equally unpretentious plants have similar cleansing properties - aloe, spathiphyllum, common ivy, sansivieria(the latter is better known by the popular names “mother-in-law’s tongue” and “pike tail”). Aloe, in addition to its obvious air-purifying properties, helps fight colds and alleviates the condition of purulent inflammation. Its life-giving juice is also used in cosmetology.

Benefits of citrus plants

Impressive beneficial properties citrus plants. They have a beneficial effect on a person’s mental tone and increase performance. And not only physical, but also mental - due to the ability to enhance the amplitude of brain biocurrents. Indispensable helpers in the fight against stress and various fears.

Citrus fruits are grown at home mainly for their fruits - lemons, tangerines, oranges and grapefruits. But many of us underestimate the essential oils obtained from them, which are no less useful. For example, lemon tree essential oil helps lower blood pressure. On top of that, they, especially lemon, practically sterilize the surrounding air. By the way, they also have similar properties eucalyptus, myrtle and kalanchoe.

Geranium is your home doctor

Geranium or pelargonium often called the house doctor. Especially for people suffering from cancer. For everyone else, this plant is an excellent way to prevent malignant neoplasms. The importance of geranium for health is also due to the fact that it ionizes the air and neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals on cells. The same properties, by the way, are inherent ferns. In addition, both of these plants have pronounced antimicrobial properties.

Geranium is a natural stimulant of the adrenal glands, helping to maintain the hormonal balance established by nature, especially adrenaline. Thanks to its properties, premenstrual syndrome does not manifest itself so strongly and the onset of menopause is facilitated. Fights symptoms of stress, depression, fussiness. Has a positive effect on morale, improves mood, calms; helps a person gain self-confidence.

For asthma, colds and cramps

It will help with frequent colds, bronchial asthma and other problems of the respiratory system. rosemary officinalis. When treating bronchitis, an additional factor in recovery is exposure to myrtle. And plants like lavender, mint, sage- reliable assistants in the fight against bacteria of the genus Klebsiella, which can provoke the development of sinusitis, meningitis and pneumonia.

It is known that one of the causes of asthma are various allergens. For example, toxins contained in exhaust gases. Therefore, it would be useful to have in the house dieffenbachia variegated, which perfectly cleanses the air of toxins. It is better to keep this plant in a room whose windows overlook the highway or “look” at some industrial or economic facility (plant, factory, boiler room, etc.).

It has been noted that plants that secrete phytoncides are especially active during the winter-spring period, which usually accounts for the greatest surge in colds.

What determines the usefulness?

People have resorted to using various indoor plants since ancient times. The healers of ancient Egypt and Rome knew how to make decoctions, balms and potions from them, and Chinese healers successfully used ginseng- one of the most unusual medicinal plants. In the arsenal of ancient Indian healers there were more than 700 drugs made from plants.

What are the benefits of indoor plants? The ability to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, ionize the air. It is important for health that the concentration of light ions is high and the concentration of heavy ions is low. Our green friends are able to maintain this balance at the required level, which has a positive effect on metabolism, activates respiratory enzymes, normalizes the acid-base balance (pH) of the blood, maintains normal blood pressure, increases muscle tone, and helps strengthen the body's defenses. Houseplants contain many useful compounds - saponins, coumarins, vitamins, essential oils, phytoncides, etc. A significant part of them began to be used in modern medicine.

It is reasonable to “settle” in rooms with a TV and a computer thuyu,cypress or cacti. The latter perfectly neutralize harmful radiation from the screen and monitor. The ability of plants to purify the air is quite understandable: they react sensitively, like a barometer, to changes occurring in the environment. Since polluted air harms not only us, but also plants, they actively “try” to clean it. But where do harmful compounds go from the air? Some of them are used by plants to ensure their livelihoods, while others are released into the soil.

Indoor plants also have another useful property - they secrete phytoncides that destroy pathogenic microflora and neutralize toxins. In the premises where they live geranium, myrtle, rosemary, fig And citrus, the air is much less polluted by microorganisms. But the palm here belongs to the ordinary agave, reducing the concentration of microbes by almost four times.

Fights mold fungi mercilessly prickly pear(This cactus, the stems of which look like cakes). Thanks to it, the number of these “inhabitants” in the air of the apartment decreases by 6-7 times. They also have pronounced antifungal properties. lemon, laurel, coffee tree, ficus, ivy. The best place for these plants is damp and darkened rooms.

Plants need good conditions

So, indoor plants purify the air, release oxygen and other compounds beneficial to humans. They are a source of volatile organic compounds that have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the interest of flower growers in these plants is quite natural. However, we should not forget that in order for them to properly fulfill their “responsibilities” for health improvement, optimal conditions are necessary - the composition of the soil and its humidity, temperature, lighting. Of course, taking into account the needs of each species. Among other things, careful care for them, regular washing off of dust and, oddly enough, love are important. Yes, yes, plants feel how you feel about them and give you a good mood and health only on a reciprocal basis.

If you are tired of the routine at home and the drab everyday life at work, then, as they say, God himself ordered a radical change of scenery. Or at least just update it. It is they who can help in this necessary matter, indoor plants that will please the eye, disinfect the air, and improve your mood. Having decorated your home and workplace with a beautiful flower or decorative greenery, you will definitely feel the onset of amazing harmony with your household and colleagues, a surge of strength, a desire to live and enjoy life. We have no doubt that you will certainly be satisfied with this result.

On our planet, living and inanimate nature are closely connected. Plants and the sun play a special role in all vital processes on Earth. Let's take a closer look at the topic “The Sun, Plants and You and Me” about the world around us.

Features of plant nutrition

All plants inhabiting the globe are living beings that can breathe and eat.

It's no secret that plants absorb water from the soil in which various salts are dissolved. But how do plants obtain the most valuable nutrients - starch and sugar? These components are not present in the soil, but they are present in the plants themselves. This riddle haunted the most prominent scientists for a long time, until finally an answer was found.

As it turned out during research, plant leaves are real little wizards that can “cook” food from carbon dioxide and water. They receive water thanks to the roots, and they, in turn, absorb it from the ground. The foliage absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. But for this magical “kitchen” to work, you need sunlight.

Rice. 1. Photosynthesis occurs in leaves.

The process of creating nutrients from carbon dioxide and water under the influence of sunlight is called photosynthesis. All parts of the plant take part in this process:

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the root draws in salt solutions from the soil;
the stem conducts these solutions upward;
in the leaves they are converted into sugar and starch.

Why do we need light to get nutrients? The thing is that the sun's rays carry with them a powerful flow of energy, which triggers many processes. Without energy, no creature could live, and no mechanism could work.

Rice. 2. Sunlight is a source of energy.

This discovery turned out to be very important, because it became clear that the existence of animals and people on the planet is impossible without plants. Nature has decreed that only one creature on Earth - plants - are capable of producing nutritional components from carbon dioxide and water. Animals and people, by eating plants, provide themselves with vital energy.

Plant respiration

During a thorough study of plants, scientists came to another interesting conclusion. It turns out that during the “cooking” of nutrients by plants, oxygen is also produced - a valuable gas that all living beings need for breathing.

If there are no plants, there will be such a small amount of oxygen left in the air that it will not be enough to support life on Earth. Interestingly, all plants, when feeding, release much more oxygen than they absorb.

Plants are the lungs of our planet. Every year they release approximately 45 million tons of pure oxygen! The more trees, shrubs and grasses there are on the globe, the cleaner and healthier the air. This is why it is so important to take good care of our green friends.

Rice. 3. Forests are the “lungs” of our planet.

Let's look at the similarities and differences between the processes of respiration and plant nutrition:

breathing charges plants with valuable energy, and thanks to photosynthesis, all living creatures on the planet receive food and oxygen;
respiration occurs constantly, regardless of external factors, and photosynthesis can only occur under the influence of sunlight;
Absolutely all plant cells participate in the respiration process, and only green cells participate in photosynthesis;
During respiration, plants absorb oxygen from the air, and during photosynthesis, they release it;
During respiration, substances are broken down in plants, and during photosynthesis, on the contrary, they are formed.

What is the connection between plants, people and the sun

Without the heat and light that the sun provides our planet, plants cannot exist, because the processes of nutrition and respiration cannot be carried out without solar energy.

If there are no plants on Earth or very few of them, humans will face two serious problems:

the food source will be significantly reduced;
the most important producer of oxygen will disappear.

Without plants, a person simply cannot breathe, and without breathing, life itself is impossible.

What have we learned?

When studying the topic “The Sun, Plants and You and Me” (grade 3), we learned how the two most important processes occur in plants: nutrition and respiration. We found out what effect sunlight has on these processes and what products are produced. Without the oxygen that plants produce, life on the planet would be impossible.

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Many plants not only release oxygen, but also purify the surrounding air of toxic compounds.The indoor air is always several times dirtier than outdoor air. Household and computer equipment, furniture made of chipboard and plastic, wallpaper and paints, household chemicals and detergents - all this increases the content of harmful substances in the air such as benzene, phenol, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ammonia and other toxic compounds.Below is a list of the most effective houseplants for air purification.

Schefflera (or Umbrella tree)- a plant ideal for rooms where there is a lot of smoking. Ideally neutralizes nicotine and tars contained in tobacco smoke.

Chlorophytum (Chlorophytum or Broom)- one of the most effective indoor air purifiers. Very effectively captures exhaust gases - nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, absorbs formaldehyde. Ideal for offices and apartments located on the lower floors, as well as for kitchens with a gas stove. In addition, the plant secretes phytoncides that have bactericidal properties. Capable of removing up to 80% of harmful microorganisms in a room per day. To clean a room of 20 sq.m. 10 plants are needed.

Golden scindapsus (Epipremnum aureum or Pothos). With the help of extensive leaves, it purifies the air from benzene. It grows quickly and does not require special care.

Dracaena. Absorbs formaldehyde released into the air by chipboard furniture, varnishes and glue.

Chamaedorea elegans or indoor palm). Humidifies the air and filters substances released by plastic.

Ficus benjamina. Absorbs most toxic substances, including formaldehyde, toluene, benzene and ammonia. It perfectly humidifies the air and attracts dust like a magnet.