How Plant Respiration is Different from Animal Respiration. Describe the Process of Respiration in (1) Root (2) Stem (3) Leaves with a Suitable Diagram.

Answer: Plants and animals undergo respiration to release energy. However, they do it differently. While animals have dedicated organs like gills or lungs to breathe in, plants do not. They exchange gases through tiny openings called stomata in leaves, root hairs in roots, and lenticels in stems. Plants do not have specific respiratory organs. In this article, we have explained the process of respiration in the roots, stems, and leaves. Thus, you will be able to understand how plant respiration is different from animal respiration.

Respiration in Plants: Roots, Stems, and Leaves

To understand how plant respiration is different from animal respiration, let’s get to know the respiration process in plants. Plants exchange gases through their parts, like roots, leaves, and stems. This means they have different structures for gas exchange.

Roots

The plant roots can absorb oxygen from the air spaces between soil particles.. Thereafter, oxygen is diffused into root hairs and is used to break down glucose. Thus, energy is released. This energy is beneficial for absorbing minerals and water from the soil.

Stems

Woody stems have small openings called lenticels for gas exchange. On the other hand, in green stems, stomata help in the exchange of gases. Oxygen enters the plant through these openings, and then carbon dioxide exits after the process of respiration.

Leaves

Leaves have several stomata, particularly on their underside. Oxygen enters through stomata, and then carbon dioxide is produced. The guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata.

Key Differences Between Plant and Animal Respiration

The main difference between plant and animal respiration is provided below:

Feature	Plant Respiration	Animal Respiration
Respiratory Organs	No specialised organs; uses stomata, lenticels, roots	Specialised organs like lungs or gills
Gas Exchange	Through diffusion in various parts	Through breathing mechanisms
Oxygen Intake	Directly from the atmosphere	Inhaled through the respiratory organs
Carbon Dioxide Usage	Used in photosynthesis	Exhaled as a waste product
Rate of Respiration	Generally slower	Relatively faster

Diagram: Respiration in Plant Parts

Understanding how plant respiration is different from animal respiration can help you learn plant biology.

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