Question

Leaves of a healthy potted plant were coated with vaseline; will this plant remain healthy for long?

Answer 1

• The process by which green plants make their own food from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll is called photosynthesis.
• During this process, oxygen gas is released. The gaseous exchange during photosynthesis is regulated by stomata.
• Stomata are open during the day for the process of photosynthesis. In this way, the plants can take up carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. If the leaves of a healthy potted plant are coated with vaseline, the stomata close up, hence restricting the gaseous exchange.
• Due to this the process of photosynthesis is hampered and the plant will eventually die off.