Final answer:
The abiotic factors that are most responsible for the increase in the mass of a plant as it grows from a seed to a mature plant are water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The abiotic factors that are most responsible for the increase in the mass of a plant as it grows from a seed to a mature plant are water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide. Water is essential for plant growth as it is needed for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Sunlight provides the energy for photosynthesis, and carbon dioxide is needed for plants to produce glucose, their main source of energy.
During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. The glucose is used for energy and building materials, while the oxygen is released back into the environment. As a plant grows, it takes in more water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide to support its increasing energy and building materials needs, leading to an increase in its mass.
It's important to note that other abiotic factors, such as minerals and enzymes, also play a role in plant growth, but they are not the primary factors responsible for the increase in plant mass.