The correct option is: The plant withers and dies.
By blocking the stomata with petroleum jelly, the plant is unable to exchange gases effectively. Stomata are crucial for the process of photosynthesis, as they allow carbon dioxide to enter the leaf and oxygen to exit. They also play a key role in transpiration, which helps to regulate water uptake. Without functioning stomata, the plant will struggle to carry out these essential processes, leading to wilting, lack of growth, and ultimately death over time.