Plants, like animals, need oxygen to survive. During respiration, plants take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide and water into the air.
While plants prepare food using photosynthesis, respiration is important for their growth and functioning. During respiration, the glucose produced during photosynthesis is fused with oxygen. The energy released is used by plants for growth, repair and reproduction.
Photosynthesis takes place only during the day because it needs sunlight. However, respiration takes place throughout the day.
See also: Classification of types of plants
Respiration process
During respiration, the different parts of a plant, like leaves, stem and roots, have their energy requirements as per their role. Unlike photosynthesis, which involves a significant amount of exchange of gases between different plant parts, during respiration, the exchange of gases depends on the energy requirement of the plant part. Thus, localised respiration is carried out to meet the requirements.
Root respiration
The oxygen from the soil is absorbed and stored as sugar, which is broken down to produce energy. This is used for absorbing nutrients, water uptake and anchoring the plant in the soil. Root respiration occurs in specialised cells within the root system, such as root cortex cells and root hairs. Mitochondria in the cells carry out the respiration process. Root respiration helps in the exchange of gases, thus, releasing carbon dioxide as a by-product. This ensures proper plant functioning and contributes to the overall plant health.
Stem respiration
Stem respiration is critical in plants as they connect the leaves and the roots. They transport nutrients, water and sugar throughout the plant, keeping it healthy. During stem respiration, the stem takes in oxygen from the stomata, which are small openings on the stem surface. Mitochondria in stem cells use oxygen and produce energy for stem functions, such as growth, supporting the weight of the leaves and the flowers and storing nutrients and water for future use.
Leaf respiration
Leaves carry out photosynthesis, which produces energy. They also carry out respiration to put the energy to use. During respiration, leaves absorb oxygen from the air through stomata. The mitochondria use this oxygen to break sugar and release energy for leaf functions, such as growth, repair and production of important molecules.
FAQs
Does plant respiration occur during the night?
Yes, unlike photosynthesis, which occurs in the presence of sunlight, respiration is a continuous process and occurs day and night.
What happens to the carbon dioxide produced during plant respiration?
The carbon dioxide produced during plant respiration is released into the atmosphere.
Can environmental factors affect plant respiration?
Environmental factors, like temperature, humidity and light intensity, influence plant respiration. While warmer temperatures may increase respiration rates, colder temperatures may slow it down.
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