Defense Proper: The Cigarette smoke affect the growth of plants because a cigarettes contain many potential deadly chemicals including arsenic benzopyrene, ammonia, butane, turpentine and methoprene carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, lead and sulfur compounds and nicotine. These chemicals are absorbed through the stoma, an opening that opens and closes to let in water and food.
This Chemicals found in cigarette smoke have the potential to alter plant DNA causing mutations.This action reduces the plants ability to absorb light, which in turn reduces photosynthesis, and then reduces the energy received from sunlight to create sugar for plant growth. Stomata pores are also caused by particulates and result in less oxygen to the plant. Tobacco Mosaic Virus that only survives in dried plant it is found mostly in the smokers house. Another effect of cigarettes smoke on plants is leaf loss, Plants suffer a condition called epinasty that results in the leaves falling off or turning downward. ecause the amount of ethylene in cigarette.
If a lot of smoke dust builds up on the leaves, the stomata can get clogged and make the plant's respiration less effective. Another part of plant respiration is absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. When the leaves and stem are covered in cigarette smoke dust, they cannot release oxygen properly, preventing them from absorbing new carbon dioxide. PhotosynthesisThe absorption of carbon dioxide, present in cigarette smoke benefits plants that use it during photosynthesis and release oxygen into the environment in its place.
At the same time, smoke clouds the air surrounding the plant and coats the leaves, resulting in reduced available light to the plant. This results in a drained, pale color on leaves and flowers. Photosynthesis is the process plants use to create nutrients from light. Plants absorb light through the surface of their leaves.If the leaves are covered with a layer of cigarette smoke, the plant receives less light and begins to starve. Growth and development are affected as the plant begins to compensate for the nutritional deficiencies.
Effects If a plant doesn't get enough oxygen, it can cause poor root growth or make the plant weak and discolored. Plants with root damage may not be able to take water effectively and can wilt. Plants that suffer from lack of light can lose their leaves, turn yellow, or grow tall and spindly as they try to grow closer to the light source.Lack of adequate nutrition slows plants' growth and might stop them from blooming.
The effects of chemicals in cigarette smoke are not immediately noticeable, but if a plant becomes heavily coated with cigarette smoke, it can slowly die from starvation, oxygen deprivation and lack of water. If there is a smoker in your house, you can help your plants by wiping their leaves clean once a week to remove smoke particles and dust. Positive Effects. Plants require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.Since cigarette smoke contains carbon dioxide, it can actually benefit the photosynthesis process if the plant is receiving enough light. Since plants do absorb the carbon dioxide in the air and replace it with oxygen, they are also generally beneficial to have inside the house.
They can help remove some of the pollution from the air we breathe, including some of the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. If you want to use a plant to help clean the air in your home, choose one with fuzzy leaves, which are most effective in removing pollutants.
