The air chamber just below the stomate, also known as the substomatal cavity, plays a crucial role in the process of gas exchange in plants. Here's a step-by-step explanation of its function:

1. The stomata are tiny pores found on the surface of leaves, stems, and other plant organs. They open and close to allow the exchange of gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2), between the plant and the atmosphere.

2. When the stomata open, CO2 from the atmosphere enters the substomatal cavity. This is where the process of diffusion comes into play.

3. Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In this case, the concentration of CO2 is higher in the atmosphere than it is inside the leaf. Therefore, CO2 diffuses from the atmosphere into the substomatal cavity.

4. The CO2 then diffuses from the substomatal cavity into the mesophyll cells, where it is used in photosynthesis to produce glucose and oxygen.

5. The oxygen produced in photosynthesis then diffuses from the mesophyll cells into the substomatal cavity, and from there, it exits the leaf through the stomata and enters the atmosphere.

6. The substomatal cavity, therefore, serves as a kind of 'waiting room' or 'buffer zone' for gases. It allows for the efficient diffusion of gases into and out of the plant, facilitating photosynthesis and respiration.

In conclusion, the air chamber or substomatal cavity just below the stomate plays a vital role in gas exchange, acting as a space where gases can accumulate and diffuse efficiently into and out of the plant.

Question

The air chamber just below the stomate, also known as the substomatal cavity, plays a crucial role in the process of gas exchange in plants. Here's a step-by-step explanation of its function:

1. The stomata are tiny pores found on the surface of leaves, stems, and other plant organs. They open and close to allow the exchange of gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2), between the plant and the atmosphere.

2. When the stomata open, CO2 from the atmosphere enters the substomatal cavity. This is where the process of diffusion comes into play.

3. Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In this case, the concentration of CO2 is higher in the atmosphere than it is inside the leaf. Therefore, CO2 diffuses from the atmosphere into the substomatal cavity.

4. The CO2 then diffuses from the substomatal cavity into the mesophyll cells, where it is used in photosynthesis to produce glucose and oxygen.

5. The oxygen produced in photosynthesis then diffuses from the mesophyll cells into the substomatal cavity, and from there, it exits the leaf through the stomata and enters the atmosphere.

6. The substomatal cavity, therefore, serves as a kind of 'waiting room' or 'buffer zone' for gases. It allows for the efficient diffusion of gases into and out of the plant, facilitating photosynthesis and respiration.

In conclusion, the air chamber or substomatal cavity just below the stomate plays a vital role in gas exchange, acting as a space where gases can accumulate and diffuse efficiently into and out of the plant.

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