/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 46 Plants regulate their internal w... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Plants regulate their internal water potential by opening and closing stomata. Which events take place when stomata open? a. Water vapor is lost to the external environment, increasing the rate of transpiration. b. Water vapor is lost to the external environment, decreasing the rate of transpiration. c. Water vapor enters the spaces in the mesophyll, increasing the rate of transpiration. d. The rate of photosynthesis drops when stomata open.

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. Water vapor is lost to the external environment, increasing the rate of transpiration.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Function of Stomata

Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that play a critical role in gas exchange. They allow carbon dioxide to enter for photosynthesis and oxygen to exit as a waste product. They also regulate water vapor release.
02

Understand Stomatal Opening

When stomata open, water vapor inside the leaf can escape to the external environment, and gases can be exchanged between the leaf and the atmosphere.
03

Linking Stomatal Opening with Transpiration

Transpiration is the process where water vapor is lost from the plant to the atmosphere. Opening of stomata facilitates this loss of water vapor, increasing the rate of transpiration.
04

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Option b is incorrect because it states that the rate of transpiration decreases, which is contrary to what happens when stomata open. Option c is incorrect because water vapor does not enter but exits the plant. Option d is incorrect as opening stomata does not cause a drop in photosynthesis; it actually allows gas exchange necessary for photosynthesis.
05

Confirm the Correct Answer

From the understanding of stomatal function and transpiration, option a is correct. When stomata open, water vapor is lost to the external environment, increasing the rate of transpiration.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Transpiration
Transpiration is a crucial process in plants where water is lost in the form of water vapor from the aerial parts of plants, mainly through the stomata. This process is necessary for several reasons: it helps in the uptake of water and nutrients from the roots, aids in cooling the plant, and maintains the flow of nutrients from the soil to the plant.
When stomata open, water vapor escapes into the atmosphere, increasing the rate of transpiration. This transpired water helps in pulling water up from the roots through a process called capillary action. This movement of water is essential for maintaining cellular functions.
Transpiration also assists in the cooling of plants. As water evaporates, it removes heat from the plant, regulating its internal temperature.
Key points to remember about transpiration include:
  • Helps in nutrient uptake
  • Regulates plant temperature
  • Depends on stomatal opening and environmental conditions
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis occurs when plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process is vital because it is how plants produce food.
Stomata play a significant role in photosynthesis by allowing the entry of carbon dioxide, which is one of the raw materials needed. When stomata are open, carbon dioxide enters the leaf, diffusing into the mesophyll cells where photosynthesis takes place.
Here are the basic steps in photosynthesis:
  • Carbon dioxide enters through stomata
  • Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll
  • Water molecules are split (photolysis)
  • Oxygen is released as a by-product
  • Glucose is synthesized
Open stomata ensure that there is a sufficient supply of carbon dioxide, thus boosting the rate of photosynthesis as long as light and water are available.
Stomatal Function
Stomata are tiny pores found on the surface of leaves and stems. They are primarily responsible for gas exchange, regulation of water loss, and aiding in photosynthesis.
The opening and closing of stomata are controlled by guard cells. When guard cells take up water and become turgid, the stomata open. Conversely, when they lose water and become flaccid, the stomata close.
The main functions of stomata include:
  • Regulating gas exchange: Stomata allow the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the plant and the atmosphere.
  • Controlling water loss: Stomata help in minimizing water loss while allowing for the necessary gas exchange.
  • Facilitating photosynthesis: By opening, stomata provide the necessary carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
Stomatal function is influenced by environmental factors such as light, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and internal plant signals.
In summary, stomata are essential for balancing water retention with gas exchange, ensuring the plant's survival and growth.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Where is the vascular cambium located in an established woody plant? a. between the primary xylem and the primary phloem b. between the secondary xylem and the primary phloem c. between the secondary xylem and the secondary phloem d. between the primary xylem and the secondary phloem

On a field trip, students collect a few samples to analyze back in their classroom. One student picks a blade of grass in the field and identifies it as a dicot leaf, but his partner thinks it is a monocot. Which explanation supports his partner’s opinion? a. The leaf displays a thin lamina. b. There is no petiole. c. The margins are serrated. d. The venation is parallel.

Plants have many light responses, including photosynthesis, photoperiodism, and phototropism (growing toward a light source). Specific wavelengths of light absorbed by different photoreceptors trigger responses. This table shows some of the most common photoreceptors and pigments and the major regions of the spectrum in which they are active. Research shows that plants bend toward blue light. Even mutant plants that lack carotenoids will bend toward blue light. The photoreceptor is likely _____. a. phytochrome b. chlorophyll c. phototropin d. carotenoids

An herbicide causes roots to shrivel and die. What is the most direct consequence for a plant treated with the herbicide? a. The plant will grow normally but will not bloom. b. The plant will dry out because water is not reaching all its organs. c. New leaves will form to compensate for the dying of roots d. The plant will grow normally but will not produce fruit

Sudan Red dye stains primarily waxy, hydrophobic material. A root is soaked in Sudan Red and analyzed for stain retention. What is a scientist observing sections of the root under a microscope likely to see? a. The cells in the cortex show the deepest stain. b. The tracheids in the xylem contain mostly lipid droplets stained with Sudan Red. c. The Casparian strip will show the deepest coloring. d. The sieve elements in the phloem show staining with Sudan Red because of transported oil droplets.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.