Respiration In Plants

Respiration is a chain of chemical reactions that enables all living entities to synthesize energy required to sustain.

It is a biochemical process wherein air moves between the external environment and the tissues and cells of the species. In respiration, inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide gas takes place. As an entity acquires energy through oxidising nutrients and hence liberating wastes, it is referred to as a metabolic process.

Let us have a look at the respiration in plants notes provided here to know about the process of respiration, and the different types of respiration that occur in plants.

Do Plants Breathe?

Yes, like animals and humans, plants also breathe.

Plants do require oxygen to respire, the process in return gives out carbon dioxide. Unlike humans and animals, plants do not possess any specialized structures for exchange of gases, however, they do possess stomata (found in leaves) and lenticels (found in stems) actively involved in the gaseous exchange. Leaves, stems and plant roots respire at a low pace compared to humans and animals.

Breathing is different from respiration. Both animals and humans breathe, which is a step involved in respiration. Plants take part in respiration all through their life as the plant cell needs the energy to survive, however, plants breathe differently, through a process known as Cellular respiration.

In this process of cellular respiration, plants generate glucose molecules through photosynthesis by capturing energy from sunlight and converting it into glucose. Several live experiments demonstrate the breathing of plants. All plants respire to provide energy for their cells to be active or alive.

Let us take a look at the respiratory process in plants.

The Process of Respiration in Plants

During respiration, in different plant parts, significantly less exchange of gas takes place. Hence, each part nourishes and fulfils its own energy requirements.

Consequently, leaves, stems and roots of plants separately exchange gases. Leaves possess stomata – tiny pores, for gaseous exchange. The oxygen consumed via stomata is used up by cells in the leaves to disintegrate glucose into water and carbon dioxide.

Respiration In Roots

Roots, the underground part of the plants, absorbs air from the air gaps/spaces found between the soil particles. Hence, absorbed oxygen through roots is utilized to liberate the energy that in the future, is used to transport salts and minerals from the soil. 

We know that plants possess a specific ability to synthesize their own food through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis takes place in only those parts of the plants which have chlorophyll, the green plant parts. Photosynthesis is so evident that at times it seems to mask the respiratory process in plants. Respiration must not be mistaken for photosynthesis. Respiration occurs all through the day, but the photosynthesis process occurs in the daytime, in the presence of sunlight only. Consequently, respiration becomes evident at night time in plants.

This is the reason we often hear people warn against sleeping under a tree during nighttime, as it may lead to suffocation due to excess amounts of carbon dioxide liberated by trees following respiration.

Respiration In Stems

The air in case of stem diffuses into the stomata and moves through different parts of the cell to respire. During this stage, the carbon dioxide liberated is also diffused through the stomata. Lenticels are known to perform gaseous exchange in woody or higher plants. 

Respiration In Leaves

Leaves consist of tiny pores known as stomata. Gaseous exchange occurs through diffusion via stomata. Guard cells regulate each of the stomata. Exchange of gases occurs with the closing and opening of the stoma between the inferior of leaves and the atmosphere.

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