Question

There is no respiratory system in plants.How do they respire?

Answer 1

Respiration in plants:

1. Plants do not have a dedicated respiratory system in their bodies.
2. However, they also require oxygen to respire.
3. This is possible with the help of tiny opening present on the surface of their leaves known as stomata.

Stomata:

1. Stomata are the tiny openings present on the surface of leaves in a plant.
2. The stomatal pores are regulated by guard cells.
3. Guard cells help in opening and closing of the stomatal pore.

Functions/role of stomata:

The primary functions of stomata in a plant are:

Exchange of gases:

1. Closing and opening of stomata help in the exchange of gases between the plant its surrounding.
2. It facilitates the entry of carbon dioxide into the plant and removal of oxygen from the plant.
3. Carbon dioxide that enters the plant through stomata is a primary raw material for photosynthesis.

Transpiration:

1. It also helps in transpiration and also removes excess of water in the form of vapors.
2. Closing of stomata at night prevents escaping of water through their pores.