Question

unit 3.1 quiz- due 11/24
3.1.9-12. e when the water availability of a plants environment decreases, the plant can respond by closing its stomata. this reduces the amount
of water that the plant loses through its leaves due to transpiration. closing the stomata also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that the
plant can take in through its leaves, which will most likely result in?
o an increased rate of cellular respiration.
o no change in the cellular processes of the plant.
o an increased rate of photosynthesis.
o a decreased rate of photosynthesis.

Explanation:

Photosynthesis requires carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a reactant. When a plant closes its stomata to reduce water loss (due to decreased water availability), it also reduces the amount of CO₂ entering the leaves. Since CO₂ is essential for photosynthesis, less CO₂ means the rate of photosynthesis will decrease. Option A (increased cellular respiration) is incorrect because cellular respiration's rate isn't directly increased by stomatal closure. Option B (no change in cellular processes) is wrong as photosynthesis is a key cellular process for plants and will be affected. Option C (increased photosynthesis) is incorrect because less CO₂ availability limits photosynthesis, not increases it.

Answer:

a decreased rate of photosynthesis (the option with text "a decreased rate of photosynthesis")