Excretion in plants involves the removal of waste products generated during metabolic processes, primarily through diffusion and transpiration. Unlike animals, plants do not have specialized excretory organs; instead, they utilize various mechanisms to eliminate waste. For instance, gaseous wastes like oxygen and carbon dioxide are released through stomata during photosynthesis and respiration, respectively. Additionally, plants can secrete waste compounds into the soil or store them in vacuoles, which may later be discarded when leaves fall off or through other means such as leaf abscission. This process helps maintain homeostasis and prevents the accumulation of toxic substances within plant tissues
How do plants primarily excrete waste products?
Plants primarily excrete waste products through diffusion and transpiration
What are stomata, and what role do they play in plant excretion?
Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for the exchange of gases, facilitating the release of oxygen and carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and respiration
Do plants have specialized excretory organs?
No, plants do not have specialized excretory organs; they utilize various mechanisms to eliminate waste
What type of waste products do plants produce during metabolism?
Plants produce several waste products, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and various organic and inorganic compounds
How do plants manage excess salts?
Plants can actively secrete excess salts into the soil, sometimes using them as chemical defenses against competing plants
What is the primary method by which plants excrete gaseous waste products?
a) Through roots
b) Through stomata
c) Through flowers
d) Through bark
Answer: b) Through stomata
Which of the following is NOT a waste product typically excreted by plants?
a) Oxygen
b) Carbon dioxide
c) Urea
d) Water
Answer: c) Urea
What role do vacuoles play in plant excretion?
a) They absorb nutrients
b) They store waste substances
c) They facilitate photosynthesis
d) They transport water
Answer: b) They store waste substances
How do plants manage excess salts?
a) By storing them in roots
b) By secreting them into the soil
c) By excreting them through leaves
d) By converting them into sugars
Answer: b) By secreting them into the soil
What is leaf abscission?
a) The process of photosynthesis
b) The shedding of leaves to remove waste
c) The growth of new leaves
d) The absorption of nutrients
Answer: b) The shedding of leaves to remove waste