Biology: Life on Earth

Chapter 7: Capturing Solar Energy: Photosynthesis

Bizarre Facts in Biology

Striped Plants

Some plants are available, not only in solid green shades, but also in green and white "striped" or variegated forms. Home gardeners have a variety of opinions about variegated plants, but many people appreciate variegated varieties for their uniqueness and ability to add color to a landscape. One of the most common shade-loving plants, the hosta, is named for Dr. Nicholaus Tomas Host (1761–1834), physician to the Emperor of Austria. Hostas are easy to grow, thrive in the shade and are available in many sizes, textures, shapes, and colors, including variegated varieties. A common observation among gardeners is that variegated hosta have a slower growth rate and a greater tendency for pest infestations when compared to the solid green hosta.

1. Does any change in leaf color indicate variegation? What qualifies as variegation in plants?  

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

2. What causes variegation in a plant?  

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

3. Sometimes a change in leaf color is due to a nutrient deficiency. What effect will a magnesium deficiency have on a plant? Study the structure of chlorophyll to understand why this deficiency affects leaf color.  

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

4. Explain why variegated plants are slower growing and more susceptible to pests.  

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

5. A study has been done relating CO2 levels to plant growth in both variegated and green varieties. If CO2 levels continue to rise in the atmosphere, how would variegated plants respond?  

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

 




Copyright © 2003 by Prentice Hall, Inc. A Pearson Company Legal Notice