Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 238

What type of gas is absorbed by plants?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the process of photosynthesis.

Correct Answer: A) CO$_{2}$(carbon dioxide).

Exam Relevance: NEET, JEE, CBSE, ICSE

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Plants are autotrophic organisms, meaning they can produce their own food using inorganic substances and light energy. The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO$_{2}$) from the atmosphere and water (H$_{2}$O) from the soil. Using light energy captured by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts, plants convert these raw materials into glucose (C$_{6}$H$_{12}$O$_{6}$) and oxygen (O$_{2}$).

The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis can be represented as:

6 CO$_{2}$ + 6 H$_{2}$O + light energy → C$_{6}$H$_{12}$O$_{6}$ + 6 O$_{2}$

Carbon dioxide is absorbed through tiny pores in the leaves called stomata. These stomata open and close to regulate the exchange of gases between the plant and the atmosphere. The absorbed CO$_{2}$ is used in the Calvin cycle, a series of biochemical reactions that convert CO$_{2}$ into glucose. The oxygen produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis is released into the atmosphere through the stomata.

It is important to understand that while plants absorb CO$_{2}$ for photosynthesis, they also undergo cellular respiration, a process that consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. However, during the day, the rate of photosynthesis is typically higher than the rate of respiration, resulting in a net absorption of CO$_{2}$ and release of O$_{2}$.

Other gases such as oxygen (O$_{2}$), ozone (O$_{3}$), and hydrogen (H$_{2}$) are not absorbed by plants for photosynthesis. Oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis and is released into the atmosphere. Ozone is a form of oxygen found in the upper atmosphere and is not involved in plant processes. Hydrogen is not a gas that plants absorb or use in their metabolic processes.

Understanding the role of CO$_{2}$ in photosynthesis is crucial for comprehending plant biology and the global carbon cycle. Plants play a vital role in maintaining the balance of atmospheric gases and are essential for the survival of many other organisms, including humans.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO$_{2}$) during photosynthesis, which is used to produce glucose and oxygen. CO$_{2}$ is essential for the process of photosynthesis and is absorbed through the stomata in the leaves.
  • Option B: This is incorrect. Oxygen (O$_{2}$) is a byproduct of photosynthesis and is released into the atmosphere. Plants do not absorb O$_{2}$ for photosynthesis; they release it.
  • Option C: This is incorrect. Ozone (O$_{3}$) is not a gas that plants absorb. It is a form of oxygen that is found in the upper atmosphere and is not involved in plant processes.
  • Option D: This is incorrect. Hydrogen (H$_{2}$) is not a gas that plants absorb. Plants do not use hydrogen in the process of photosynthesis or any other major metabolic process.

Mnemonic: C-O-T: Carbon dioxide is Taken in by plants.

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