Why do plants release carbon dioxide at night?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking why plants release carbon dioxide during the night instead of oxygen. This involves understanding the processes of photosynthesis and respiration in plants.
Answer
Plants release carbon dioxide at night because they only perform respiration as photosynthesis stops without sunlight.
The final answer is because photosynthesis stops at night without sunlight, so plants only perform respiration, releasing carbon dioxide.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is because photosynthesis stops at night without sunlight, so plants only perform respiration, releasing carbon dioxide.
More Information
This process is similar to how humans and animals respire, using oxygen to convert stored sugars into energy, which produces carbon dioxide as a by-product.
Tips
Many people often confuse the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, leading to a misunderstanding of how plants manage gas exchange.
Sources
- Understanding how plants breathe - rhs.org.uk
- Do Plants Emit Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide at Night? - britannica.com
- Why do plants release CO2 at night? : r/biology - reddit.com
