A scientists performs an experiment by placing petroleum jelly on under side of plant leaves. This blocks leaves stomata. The plant continues to be watered and is located in a sunny spot. What will the scientist observe?

Question

The plant withers and dies

The plant goes into hibernation

The plant grows and thrives

The plant grows, flowers, and seeds

Answer 1

The correct observation the scientist would likely make is that the plant withers and dies.

Here's the reasoning:

Stomata are small openings on the underside of leaves that allow for gas exchange, including the uptake of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and the release of oxygen. By blocking the stomata with petroleum jelly, the plant would be unable to take in carbon dioxide effectively. As a result, the plant would struggle to perform photosynthesis, leading to a lack of energy production, which is essential for growth and survival. Without adequate photosynthesis, the plant would eventually wither and die.

Additionally, even though the plant is watered and in a sunny spot, the inability to exchange gases would critically impair its physiological functions.