Gas exchange in plant or leaf

Question 1

Explain why plants have a reduced need for gas exchange with the air than animals

Answer 1

The produce oxygen in photosynthesis that can be used in respiration

Question 2

How do plants ensure a large surface area:volume?

Answer 2

Air spaces inside the leaf

Question 3

Describe 3 adaptations of a leaf for rapid diffusion

Answer 3

many stomata - short diffusion pathway

air spaces in mesophyll - gases in close contact with cell

large surface area of mesophyll cells

Question 4

Describe the conflict between gas exchange and water loss in plants

Answer 4

plants need stomata open to exchange gases during photosynthesis but also loss more water when stomata are open

Question 5

What adaptations can some plants have to limit water loss

Answer 5

A thick cuticle
Rolling up of leaves - Trap vapour
Hairy leaves - trap vapour + reduces water potential
Reduces SA: V ratio of the leaves