plants and rainforests

[BioKing]

I need help explaining why I think this is - and making the answer as close to a 1/2 page or 1 full page.

"Certain plants that live in the rainforest and grow high in the trees have many more mitochondria inside their cells than do plants that live on the ground."

Please explain why you think this is.

Thanks

[amy nikol]

the primary function of mitochondria is to convert organic materials into cellular energy in the form of ATP...ATP is produced by photosynthesis, and photosynthesis uses what to produce ATP....

[Poison]

Not sure, just guessing.
They have a higher metabolic rate. They need more ATP for metabolic activities such as transpiration.

(Not close to 1 page but you can try to extend it.)

[Poison]

the primary function of mitochondria is to convert organic materials into cellular energy in the form of ATP...ATP is produced by photosynthesis, and photosynthesis uses what to produce ATP....

What is the connection between photosynthesis and mitochondria? I couldn't get your point.

[JordanNWMSU]

The plants towards to the top of the rainforest have a more constant suppy of solar energy, thus utilizing a higher level of metabolic activty for transpiration. Most books have told me that the number of mitochondrion is correlated with the cell's metabolic activity (As Poisen stated above).

[BioKing]

ok, thanks that helped alot!