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)

The scientist will observe that the plant's leaves will not be able to release water vapor through transpiration, as the stomata are blocked by the petroleum jelly. This may result in reduced growth or wilting of the plant, as it will be unable to regulate its water balance effectively.

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)

The plant goes into hibernation.
The plant goes into hibernation.

The plant grows, flowers, and seeds.
The plant grows, flowers, and seeds.

The plant grows and thrives.
The plant grows and thrives.

The plant withers and dies

The plant withers and dies.

The scientist will observe that the plant's leaves start to wilt or droop. This is because the petroleum jelly applied to the underside of the leaves blocks the stomata, which are responsible for gas exchange (carbon dioxide uptake and oxygen release) and water loss through evaporation. Without functional stomata, the plant cannot effectively transpire, leading to a buildup of water in the cells and a loss of turgidity in leaves. Consequently, the plant's leaves will begin to wilt as they lose their rigidity and appear droopy.