Question

What happens to the respiration rate when a plant is transferred from water to salt solution?

• A. Its respiration rate increases
• B. Salt solution will have no effect on respiration
• C. Respiration rate will first increase and then decrease
• D. Its respiration rate decreases

Answer 1

The correct option is A Its respiration rate increases

If a plant is transferred from water to salt solution, it's respiration increases, this is known as salt respiration. The saline water is rich in sodium and chlorine ions. The movement of ions into the roots occurs against the concentration gradient, i.e., from lower concentration to higher concentration. Thus, it requires more metabolic energy and hence the rate of respiration increases.