Breathing involves systems that supply the body with oxygen. In plants, it is identical to the animal. This process lasts around the clock. Breathing in plants occurs in the cells of organs located on the entire surface of leaves, stems and roots. All cells of the body interact in it. If the representative of the flora will clog the cells, then the flow of carbon dioxide will stop. In this case, the plant may die.
History reference
The fact that plants emit oxygen during respiration was written in the scientific works of A.L. Lavoisier. In 1773-1783 he conducted experiments. The result of his work was the discovery that a large amount of oxygen is absorbed during combustion and breathing. In this case, carbon dioxide and heat are released.
Based on his work, the scientist revealed that breathing is the burning of nutrients in a living organism. Later this activity was continued by J. Ingenhaus. He proved that both in the dark and in sunlight, carbon dioxide is absorbed and oxygen is released. This means that when breathing, plants can process both CO 2 and O 2 , depending on whether light is involved in this process or not.
Similar studies were carried out by H.F. Scheinbein and A.N. Bang. In 1897, the theory of biological oxidation was discovered . In the same year, K. Engler presented similar works. In 1955, O. Hayaishi and G.S. Mason, through experiments, confirmed that oxygen is an important element of organic compounds.
Specificity of respiration in plants
Breath is called the universal process. It is considered an integral part of all living organisms. It is generally accepted that respiration in plants occurs in the cells of organs and tissues through which gas exchange occurs. Such a system is associated with life, and the cessation of breathing is associated with the death of all living things.
Manifestation of life is inextricably linked to energy expenditure. In this case, development, reproduction, growth, cell division occurs. Nutrients, water, various syntheses and processes move and absorb. The respiratory organs of plants are a complex multi-link system. Associated oxidative processes alter the chemical composition of organic compounds.
Cell respiration
Such breathing is an oxidative process. It involves oxygen and the breakdown of important nutrients. There is a release of energy and the formation of active metabolites. They are used by cells to form necessary vital processes. In this case, respiration in plants occurs in the cells of organs and is calculated using the total equation:
6126 + 602> 602 + 620 + 2875 kJ / mol.
The energy received is not completely released. Part of the energy is stored in adenosine triphosphate. After synthesis, differences in electric charges are formed on the membrane. This phenomenon is preceded by a difference in the concentrations of hydrogen ions that form on both sides of the membrane. The respiration and nutrition of plants occurs using the proton gradient. It is the main material of energy, necessary for subtle processes occurring in the cell. Such processes are used in the synthesis, revenues, movements of water and nutrients. In the chemical structure, a potential difference is created between the environment and the cytoplasm. Energy that could not accumulate in the proton gradient is scattered as light.
Catalytic Respiratory Processes
The oxidation of substrates occurs with the help of enzymes. They are called protein catalysts. Enzymes have some features:
- very high lability;
- increased activity;
- great specificity with respect to substrates.
The respiration and nutrition of plants depends on the spatial orientation, which changes under the influence of internal and external factors. There is a regulation of metabolism. Some oxidation methods are associated with the concept of electrons. Types of oxidative reactions:
- electron return;
- oxygen addition;
- hydrogen withdrawal;
- the occurrence of a hydrated compound;
- taking away protons and two electrons.
Oxidation of the substance is associated with the recovery of the acceptor. Such enzymes are considered oxidoreductases. In this case, the detachment of protons and electrons occurs. They are accepted by the acceptor. The enzyme forms a transfer reaction. Such processes include aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Aerobic breathing
Such a respiratory system refers to the oxidative process. When breathing, the plant absorbs carbon dioxide, while releasing oxygen. The substrate breaks down into the energy of inorganic substances. The main substrates for plant respiration are carbohydrates. In addition to them, a reserve of proteins and fats can be consumed.
Such breathing involves two main stages:
- Oxygen free process. In it, there is a slow gradual decomposition of substrates, the release of hydrogen atoms and the binding of the process to coenzymes.
- Oxygen process. Here, the subsequent cleavage of hydrogen atoms is observed. They depart from the respiratory substrate and are gradually oxidized. As a result, the transfer of electrons to oxygen occurs.
Anaerobic respiration
Such plant respiration occurs with the help of microorganisms living on plant cells. They do not use molecular oxygen to oxidize substances. They need nitric salt, carbonic and sulfuric acid, which during long processes turns into reduced compounds. The necessary energy is achieved by splitting complex molecules of organic substances into the simplest ones. The final electron acceptor is carbonates, sulfates and nitrites. Nitric salt, sulfuric and carbonic acid are converted into reducing compounds.
Root system
An integral part of the process is the respiration of plant roots. For active growth, representatives of the flora need fresh air entering the root system. Such breathing is carried out with the help of oxygen, which circulates in large pores.
With non-capillary porosity during prolonged rainfalls or an excess of moisture in the pot, the soil is oversaturated with moisture. During this period, the root system experiences asphyxiation. Some plant subspecies can breathe thanks to oxygen dissolved in moisture. In this case, the water flow must circulate or be flowing. With moisture stagnation, the roots of representatives of the flora do not receive the necessary oxygen.
Under acceptable conditions, when breathing, the plant absorbs carbon dioxide. But with a stagnant regime, it cannot conduct a full gas exchange. Growth slows significantly. With respect to nitrogen, oxygen levels are reduced by 21%. The use of mineral resources of the soil ceases. The plant captures the air, which comes from the leaves, stem and bark of the plant.
Breath value
Plant respiration occurs in the cells of organs and is the main metabolic process. The energy that is released during breathing is spent on the growth and activity of representatives of the flora.
Plant respiration is compared to photosynthesis. The process goes through several stages. In the intermediate stages, organic compounds are formed. They are used in metabolic reactions. These include pentoses and organic acids, which are formed during respiratory decay. Therefore, respiration is considered to be a source of metabolites.
The respiratory system is considered a supplier of energy equivalents to NADP-N and ATP. Plants breathe oxygen when they breathe. In this process, representatives of the flora form water. When the plant is dehydrated, it protects it from death.
Sometimes breathing energy can be released as heat. In this case, the respiratory process will lead to unnecessary consumption of dry matter. Strengthening the respiration process for the plant itself is far from being beneficial in all cases.