Question

Stomata get blocked due to dust.

• A. Rate increases
• B. Rate remains unchanged
• C. Rate fluctuates
• D. Rate decreases

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Rate decreases

Photosynthesis is the process of formation of organic compounds by inorganic substances like water and carbon dioxide in the presence of sunlight. During this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide from atmosphere through stomata. If stomata are choked due to dust, gaseous diffusion through stomata will get hampered. Plants will not get sufficient carbon dioxide, nor oxygen produced during photosynthesis can escape out. Both of these will decrease rate of photosynthesis- lack of carbon dioxide will decrease rate because carbon dioxide is one of the substrate of photosynthesis and increased concentration of oxygen will decrease the rate of photosynthesis because it will lead to photorespiration. Thus, the correct answer is option D.