Plants grow through a combination of cell division, cell enlargement, and cell differentiation, primarily occurring in special growing regions called meristems located at the tips of roots and shoots. Growth depends on internal factors like plant hormones (especially auxin) and genetics, as well as external factors such as sunlight, water, nutrients, and temperature. Photosynthesis, the process where plants convert light energy into chemical energy using water and carbon dioxide, provides the energy necessary for growth.

Key Growth Processes

• Cell Division and Enlargement: Cells divide (mitosis) in the meristematic tissue, then enlarge and specialize into different types of plant cells.
• Meristematic Tissue: Apical meristems at root and shoot tips allow plants to grow longer (primary growth), while lateral meristems enable growth in thickness (secondary growth in woody plants).
• Plant Hormones: Auxin, cytokinins, and gibberellins regulate growth by promoting cell division, enlargement, and differentiation.

Role of Environmental Factors

• Light: Essential for photosynthesis, which produces sugars used as energy.
• Water and Nutrients: Absorbed through roots to support cellular activities.
• Temperature: Influences the rate of growth and developmental stages like germination and flowering.

Growth from Seed to Plant

• Germination starts the process, where the seed absorbs water, swells, and the embryo begins growing.
• The primary root grows downward to anchor the plant and absorb water and minerals.
• The shoot grows upward toward light, developing stems and leaves.
• Over time, the plant develops fruits or flowers as it matures.

In short, plants grow by producing new cells and expanding existing ones, driven by genetic signals and environmental resources, with photosynthesis providing the energy needed for these processes.