Guard cells are closed during the night. This means that no gases can come in or out of the stomata. Why would the plant not need to take in gas during the night?
How can I answer in this question?
To answer the question of why a plant does not need to take in gases during the night when guard cells are closed, you can approach it by understanding the core function and purpose of stomata in a plant.
Stomata are small openings or pores found on the surface of leaves, stems, and other plant organs. They are responsible for the exchange of gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2), between the plant and its environment. During the day, when the sun is shining, plants carry out photosynthesis, a process in which they use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. In this process, plants consume CO2 and release O2.
However, during the night, when there is no sunlight available, plants do not perform photosynthesis. Consequently, they do not require CO2 for this energy-producing process. Therefore, it is unnecessary for a plant to take in gases during the night when guard cells are closed since there is no need for gas exchange.
To answer this question, one does not need to research external sources or scientific studies. Instead, you can draw upon your understanding of plant biology, specifically the role of stomata and the relationship between photosynthesis and gas exchange.