Explain how the direction of exchange of gases in plants changes with the time of day?
The direction of exchange of gases between a plant and its surroundings depends upon the time of the day and the usage of the gases by the plant. Plants respire throughout the day, while photosynthesis takes place only in the presence of sunlight. In daytime, carbon dioxide produced in respiration by the plants is used by them in photosynthesis. So, carbon dioxide is not released into the environment.
In fact, plants take in additional carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis. Out of the oxygen produced in photosynthesis, some amount is consumed by the plants in respiration.
The rest is released into the air through the stomata. At night, when there is no photosynthesis, no oxygen is released. Also, the carbon dioxide produced in respiration is not used by the plants. So, it is released in the air.