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 grows and thrives.
The plant grows and thrives.
The plant goes into hibernation.
The plant goes into hibernation.
The plant grows, flowers, and seeds.
The plant grows, flowers, and seeds.
The plant withers and dies.
The plant withers and dies.
The plant withers and dies.
The correct answer is: The plant withers and dies.
Explanation:
When the scientist places petroleum jelly on the underside of plant leaves to block the stomata, it prevents the exchange of gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen. Stomata are small openings in plant leaves that allow for gas exchange and transpiration, the process by which water evaporates from the plant. Blocking the stomata with petroleum jelly restricts the intake of carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis and the release of oxygen.
Without an adequate supply of carbon dioxide, the plant's ability to produce energy through photosynthesis is severely hindered. This leads to a lack of essential nutrients and energy for growth, eventually leading to the plant withering and dying.
To arrive at this answer, it is important to understand the role of stomata in gas exchange and photosynthesis in plants. Additionally, understanding how the blockage of stomata affects the plant's ability to obtain carbon dioxide and release oxygen is crucial in predicting the outcome of the experiment.