Regulating Gas Exchange in Plants

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to the regulation of gas exchange in plants, focusing on stomata, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

Stomata

Tiny openings in plant leaves that allow for gas exchange (CO2 and O2) and are regulated by guard cells.

Guard cells

Paired cells that surround each stoma and control its opening and closing in response to environmental conditions.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2).

Cellular respiration

The process by which cells break down glucose (C6H12O6) using oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and energy (ATP).

Cuticle

A waxy, hydrophobic layer secreted by epidermal cells of plants to prevent water loss.

Turgor pressure

The pressure exerted by fluid in the central vacuole against the cell wall, crucial for maintaining plant rigidity and opening stomata.

Photoautotroph

Organisms that derive energy from sunlight and build sugars from carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

Aquaporins

Water channel proteins in cell membranes that facilitate the movement of water in and out of cells.

Ion pumps

Proteins that use energy to transport ions across a membrane, creating concentration gradients.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.