Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Final Conclusion

As posted on July,our initial theory was that Photosynthesis and Respiration depend on each other as photosynthesis produces the oxygen required for respiration.

*Plants need oxygen for respiration as most eukaryotes do. However, in the presence of light, the oxygen output from photosynthesis is greater than that taken up for respiration. Therefore, plants do not need oxygen for survival provided they are supplied with light and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.

*In the dark, no photosynthesis occurs and the plant takes up only oxygen. Carbon dioxide is given out due to cellular respiration. A plant cannot survive without supplied oxygen under such conditions but carbon dioxide also gives out oxygen which means plants can live without oxygen since there is already oxygen in carbon dioxide molecule.

*Breathe In, Breathe Out

The old saying is that plants are the opposite of people. People breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, and plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breath out oxygen. Although this statement is true, it is not complete. Plants also breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Timing is the main issue in determining what is happening within the plant. It really depends on the time of day and sun exposure.

*Gas Absorption

Plant breathing happens in two ways, by gases being absorbed through pores in the plant and by photosynthesis, which is the absorption of sunlight. With the absorption of gases through the pores, oxygen is taken in and reacts with glucose. The plant then releases carbon dioxide. The pores of the plant are located everywhere, even the roots. For this reason it is best not to give a plant too much water. It blocks the absorption process, and the plant literally drowns.

As a result,Photosynthesis and Respiration are essential life processes.

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