The Question is from neet-botany respiration-in-plants , and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

Which specific adaptation allows some plants to minimize water loss while still facilitating gas exchange for respiration?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Plant adaptations for water conservation and gas exchange.
 **Related Topics**: Stomata, transpiration, photosynthesis, respiration, CAM photosynthesis.
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of plant physiology and gas exchange.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about a plant adaptation that minimizes water loss while maintaining gas exchange for respiration.
  Options describe different adaptations related to leaf structure and stomatal function.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze each option to determine its effect on water loss and gas exchange.
  Reasoning: We need an adaptation that reduces water loss (transpiration) but allows for the intake of $CO_2$ for respiration and release of $O_2$.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, this is a conceptual question.
 2. Evaluate the options based on their impact on water loss and gas exchange.
  Working: 
            * Option A (Increased leaf surface area): Increases transpiration, counterproductive.
            * Option B (Absence of stomata): Prevents gas exchange entirely, lethal.
            * Option C (Continuous, high rates of transpiration): Maximizes water loss, not minimizing it.
            * Option D (Stomatal opening primarily at night in CAM plants): CAM plants open their stomata at night when it's cooler and humidity is higher, minimizing water loss while still taking in $CO_2$.  The $CO_2$ is then stored and used for photosynthesis during the day when stomata are closed.
 3. Identify the option that best meets the criteria.
  Result: Option D is the correct answer.
  Verification: CAM photosynthesis is a well-known adaptation for arid environments that effectively balances water conservation and gas exchange.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Increased leaf surface area increases the surface area available for transpiration, leading to greater water loss.
B :x: The absence of stomata would completely prevent gas exchange, which is essential for both respiration and photosynthesis.
C :x: Continuous high rates of transpiration are unsustainable and would lead to dehydration.
D ✓: Stomatal opening primarily at night (as in CAM plants) allows for $CO_2$ uptake with minimal water loss due to lower temperatures and higher humidity at night.  The $CO_2$ is stored and used during the day when the stomata are closed to prevent water loss.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing transpiration with respiration: Transpiration is water loss, respiration is gas exchange.
  How to avoid: Clearly define the terms and understand their roles in plant physiology.
  2.Failing to consider the environmental context: The optimal adaptation depends on the environment.
  How to avoid: Consider the environmental pressures (e.g., aridity) that would select for a particular adaptation.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the key characteristics of CAM plants.
  2.Focus on the trade-off between water conservation and gas exchange.

NISHANTH · Answer

Increased leaf surface area

NISHANTH · Answer

Absence of stomata

NISHANTH · Answer

Continuous, high rates of transpiration

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Stomatal opening primarily at night in CAM plants"

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