A scientist performs an experiment by placing petroleum jelly on under side of plant leaves. This blocks the leaves’ stomata. The plant continues to be watered and is located in a sunny spot. What will the scientist observe?(1 point) Responses The plant withers and dies. The plant withers and dies. The plant grows, flowers, and seeds. The plant grows, flowers, and seeds. The plant goes into hibernation. The plant goes into hibernation. The plant grows and thrives.
The scientist will observe that the plant withers and dies.
The scientist will observe that the plant withers and dies.
To determine the effect of placing petroleum jelly on the underside of plant leaves and blocking the stomata, we can reason through the process and knowledge of plant physiology.
Stomata are small openings on the underside of plant leaves that allow for gas exchange, including the entry of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen. Blocking these stomata with petroleum jelly would inhibit gas exchange, potentially impacting the plant's ability to perform photosynthesis, which is crucial for the production of energy and growth.
In this scenario, the plant continues to be watered and is located in a sunny spot. Water and sunlight are essential for plants to carry out photosynthesis, so the availability of these resources suggests that the only limiting factor would be the blockage of stomata.
Without the ability to exchange gases, the plant would likely experience decreased levels of photosynthesis and may struggle to obtain the carbon dioxide needed for energy production. Over time, this can lead to a decline in plant health and negatively impact its growth and overall survival.
Therefore, the most likely observation that the scientist would make is that the plant withers and dies.