Lesson 11 The Breathing Leaf
Completion requirements
Lenticels
Are the leaves the only place gas exchange happens in plants?
Gas exchange happens through diffusion in all plants; there are no specific organs associated with this function. It does, however, happen in the stems or trunks of plants as well as in the leaves.
Have you ever noticed small blisters or splits on the stems or trunks of plants? These are very small and can be difficult to see, but they are another location of gas exchange. These blisters or splits are called lenticels. Lenticels are very similar to stomata, except they are always open. They allow for gas exchange and transpiration to occur.
Read This
Please read the section called “Gas Exchange in Plants” on page 313 in
your Science 10 textbook. Make sure you take notes on your readings to
study from later. You should focus on what lenticels are and what their
function is. Remember, if you have
any questions or you do not understand something, ask your teacher!
Have you ever noticed small blisters or splits on the stems or trunks of plants? These are very small and can be difficult to see, but they are another location of gas exchange. These blisters or splits are called lenticels. Lenticels are very similar to stomata, except they are always open. They allow for gas exchange and transpiration to occur.
Read This
Please read the section called “Gas Exchange in Plants” on page 313 in
your Science 10 textbook. Make sure you take notes on your readings to
study from later. You should focus on what lenticels are and what their
function is. Remember, if you have
any questions or you do not understand something, ask your teacher!Practice Questions
Complete the following practice questions to check your understanding of the concept you just learned. Make sure you write complete answers to the practice questions in your notes. After you have checked your answers, make corrections to your responses (where necessary) to study from.- How are lenticels similar to stomata? How are they different?
Similarities: Both are involved in gas exchange and transpiration. Differences: Stomata are open and closed by guard cells that react to the amount of sun and water present. Lenticels are always open.