Plant Physiology - Musienko, M. M. 2001

Respiration
O2 and CO2 gas exchange in the process of respiration

Whether Respiration takes place under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, it involves a continuous exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the Organism and its environment.

Under aerobic conditions, oxygen is required for The oxidation of respiratory substrates to release energy. As a result, CO2 is released into the atmosphere as a final product of substrate breakdown. Gas exchange occurs via diffusion, and the surface where it takes place is referred to as the respiratory surface. For this process to function properly, this surface must be permeable, sufficiently thin, and moist. This is because diffusion is effective over distances of no more than 1 cm, and both CO2 and O2 diffuse in solution. The respiratory surface occupies a significant area to ensure the organism is not limited in acquiring the necessary gases. Plants obtain oxygen either from the atmosphere or from dissolved oxygen in Water.



Last update: 07/08/2026

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