How Do Plants Breathe?

Plants breathe just like humans, but they do not have lungs. They absorb gases through their leaves, stems, and roots. Plants require two essential gases: oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Plants take in gases through a process called diffusion, in which gases move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. During photosynthesis, leaf cells use carbon dioxide, reducing its concentration inside the leaf and allowing new gas to enter from outside.

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On the underside of leaves there are small openings called stomata. Through these stomata, carbon dioxide enters, oxygen exits, and water loss is regulated.

Daytime: Stomata are open, allowing photosynthesis and respiration to continue.

Nighttime: Stomata close, and only respiration occurs.

Plants such as cacti and succulents close their stomata during the day and perform gas exchange at night.

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Tree bark is impermeable to gases. Therefore, small openings called lenticels are present on the stem. Oxygen enters the stem through these lenticels. Roots also respire, absorbing oxygen from air pockets in the soil. If the soil is too compact or waterlogged, roots cannot obtain sufficient oxygen and the plant cannot grow. Through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide into sugars and produce oxygen.

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Because trees are long-lived, they can store large amounts of carbon. Aquatic plants enrich water in ponds and lakes with oxygen, aiding the survival of aquatic organisms. Stomata prevent excessive water loss and regulate gas exchange. The shape and flexibility of cells are critical to the opening and closing of stomata.