During day time plants undergo photosynthesis. It is a process that requires light. In this process O2 is given out by the plants and they take CO2 to make their food. Hence, it cannot occur during night time. O2 is consumed during respiration. It occurs both during the day as well as night. However, the rate of respiration is difficult to calculate during the day due to photosynthesis. Hence, it is not possible to demonstrate respiration in a green plant kept in sunlight.