What Will Happen When Green Plants Are Kept in a Dark Room?

When green plants are kept in a dark room, several key processes are significantly affected, primarily due to the absence of light. This environment can lead to detrimental changes in the plant's survival, growth, and overall health.

Photosynthesis Halted

Plants primarily rely on sunlight to perform photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose and release oxygen. Without light, this process cannot occur, leading to a decline in the production of glucose. This is a critical issue for the plant's survival, as glucose is essential for numerous energy-requiring processes within the plant.

Respiration Continues

Even in the absence of light, plants will continue to respire, using the stored glucose from previous photosynthesis to produce energy. During this process, oxygen is consumed, and carbon dioxide is released. This respiration, however, is unsustainable in the long term, as it depletes the plant’s energy reserves.

Depletion of Energy Reserves

Over time, as the plant continues to respire without the ability to photosynthesize, its stored energy in the form of starch and sugars will be depleted. This depletion can lead to stunted growth, wilting, and eventually, death if the dark conditions persist. The plant will also begin to consume its reserves faster than it can replenish them through photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll Degradation

In prolonged darkness, some plants may begin to break down their chlorophyll, the green pigment essential for photosynthesis. This degradation can result in a loss of the characteristic green color in the leaves, turning them yellow, yellow-white, or pale green. This process is indication of the plant's struggle to survive without light.

Growth Changes

Some plants may exhibit a growth response known as etiolation. Etiolation is characterized by elongated stems and smaller leaves as the plant attempts to reach for light. This growth response is often observed in seedlings that are kept in dark conditions.

Leaf Condition

When green plants are kept in a dark room for an extended period, a noticeable change in leaf color will occur: the leaves will start turning yellow, yellow-white, or pale green. This color change is a direct result of the plant's inability to produce chlorophyll due to the lack of light. The plant will continue to utilize its remaining stored energy, but it will be unable to survive for a prolonged period without photosynthesis.

Survival Time

Based on these processes, plants can survive in a dark room for a limited time, usually up to two weeks, but definitely not longer. After this period, the plant will suffer from energy depletion and begin to show signs of stress and eventual death. As mentioned in the scientific references, the plant's survival is critically dependent on its ability to perform photosynthesis, and without light, this function is shut down, leading to the plant's inevitable death.

To maintain the health and vitality of green plants, it is essential to ensure they receive adequate light. This can be achieved through natural sunlight or artificial light sources designed for plant growth.