Diffusion and Photosynthesis
In
simple terms, it is the steady
movement of particles from regions
where there are many of them to regions where there
are a few of them.
It is a natural trend for things to spread out down a Concentration
Gradient. See diagram below.
In scientific terms, DIFFUSION
is the MOVEMENT OF PARTICLES from a region of HIGH
CONCENTRATION to a region of LOW CONCENTRATION. Diffusion is a passive
process, it does not
require any energy for it to happen. The easiest
kind of diffusion is when different gases diffuse
through each other. For example, it happens when a perfume smell
spreads through out the air in an enclosed area. Likewise, diffusion of gases also take place in the leaves. See
animation opposite.
Diffusion and Photosynthesis
Fact:
For a leaf to carry out PHOTOSYNTHESIS,
it requires carbon dioxide gas. There is
more carbon dioxide outside the then inside. This has to get
inside the leaf. It does this by DIFFUSION through minute little pores beneath the leaf called STOMATA. Similarly, OXYGEN and WATER VAPOUR leaves the leaf using the
same process of diffusion.
Diffusion of gases in
Leaves is very important, for Photosynthesis to take place.
Test your knowledge on how plants exchange gases for photosynthesis and respiration. 1. Diffusion is defined as the movement of particles from: 2. Which gas is a reactant of photosynthesis that must diffuse INTO the leaf? 3. Through which structures does gas exchange primarily occur on the surface of the leaf? 4. Which cells are responsible for opening and closing the pores on a leaf? 5. Why does oxygen diffuse OUT of the leaf during the day?🔬 Knowledge Check: Diffusion & Photosynthesis
Click to Reveal Answers
2. Carbon Dioxide (Used by the plant to produce glucose).
3. Stomata (Pores found mainly on the underside of leaves).
4. Guard cells (They control gas exchange and water loss).
5. Higher concentration inside the leaf (Oxygen is produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis).
Tags:Photosynthesis, Diffusion