Question

We water the soil but it reaches the topmost leaves of the plants. Explain in brief the process involved.

Not all plants carry out photosynthesis by the same mechanism. In most plants, photosynthesis depends directly on the gaseous carbon dioxide that diffuses into the leaf through the stomata. However, some plants - such as pineapple - have the ability to store carbon dioxide in the vacuoles of the leaf cells as part of a complex carbon compound. This complex compound is transported to the chloroplasts and releases carbon dioxide when required, for photosynthesis to occur. This special photosynthesis mechanism is believed to have evolved as an adaptation to conserve water for survival in dry conditions. (a) Which process in the plants does this photosynthesis mechanism minimise to help the plant survive in dry conditions? (b) How is the ability to store carbon dioxide as a complex compound likely to help minimise the process referred to in (a)? (c) When are such plants likely to take in carbon dioxide from the environment?