BIO 102: Excretion in Plants

Objectives: to learn how to describe the processes by which plants excrete substances
and outline how some waste products maybe used by the plant.

All living organisms carry out several metabolic processes for their growth and
survival. In plants, food is synthesized through photosynthesis and is then broken
down to release energy through cellular respiration. The minerals absorbed from the
soil are used to synthesize proteins, pigments, and other essential compounds.

Key Term: Metabolism

Metabolism describes all the chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to
maintain life.

Each of these metabolic processes is essentially a chemical reaction, meaning the

conversion of reactants into products that the plant needs for its growth and survival.
These chemical reactions also generate by-products, which the plant does not need.
These by-products, which are potentially toxic to the plant, are called metabolic waste
and must be eliminated through excretion. Excretion is the removal of the waste
products of metabolism from the body of an organism.

Key Term: Metabolic Waste

Metabolic waste is the products of metabolic reactions that are unnecessary or harmful
to the organism and must, therefore, be eliminated through excretion.

Definition: Excretion

Excretion is the removal of the waste products of metabolism from the body of an
organism.

Unlike animals, plants do not have a specialized organ system for excretion. Instead,
they have several different mechanisms by which potentially harmful waste products
are either recycled or excreted.

As we know, plants are autotrophic, which means they synthesize their own food, in
the form of glucose, through photosynthesis. The process of cellular respiration
involves the breakdown of carbon-containing compounds, such as glucose, into
carbon dioxide and water and the release of energy.
 Both of these reactions release gaseous waste products. Photosynthesis liberates
oxygen, whereas respiration produces carbon dioxide and water vapor. In plants,
photosynthesis and aerobic respiration go hand in hand. The main products generated
by each of these reactions are reused as the reactants of the other. To understand this
clearly, let’s take a look at the word equations of the two processes.

Equation: Photosynthesis

Carbondioxide + water + light energy = glucose + oxygen+water

Equation: Respiration

Glucose +oxygen =carbondioxide + water +energy

Definition: Aerobic Respiration

Aerobic respiration is the process by which energy is released in the cells in the
presence of oxygen.

You may notice that these two reactions are almost the exact opposite of each other.
The products of the photosynthesis reaction are the same molecules as the reactants of
the respiration reaction, and vice versa.

Example 1: How Plants Reuse the Waste Products of Respiration

Plants, like most living organisms, respire. Water is a waste product of respiration.
How can plants reuse this water?

A. As a source of energy for metabolic processes

B. As a source of nitrogen for the synthesis of nitrogenous compounds
C. As a reactant in photosynthesis
D. As an insulating gas to regulate temperature

Answer

As we know, plants are autotrophic, which means that they synthesize their own food,
in the form of glucose, through photosynthesis. The process of cellular respiration
involves the breakdown of glucose into carbon dioxide and water and the release of
energy. In plants, photosynthesis and respiration go hand in hand. The products
generated by each of these reactions are reused as the reactants of the other.
You may notice that these two reactions are almost the exact opposite of each other.
The products of the photosynthesis reaction are the same molecules as the reactants of
the respiration reaction, and vice versa.

Therefore, the water generated as a waste product during respiration can be reused as
a reactant in photosynthesis.

Although these products can be reused in plants, in some cases, they may need to be
removed through excretion. Plants eliminate excess quantities of these gaseous waste
products by releasing them into the atmosphere, via a process known as gas exchange.
The stem and leaves of a plant have specialized openings on their surfaces through
which gaseous molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, may
diffuse into the atmosphere.

Leaves have openings called stomata, which are tiny pores found in their epidermis.
Through these pores, gaseous metabolic waste products can diffuse into the
atmosphere. Stomata open and close depending on the need for gas exchange

Definition: Stomata

Stomata (singular: stoma) are pores in the epidermis of leaves through which gas
exchange takes place with the atmosphere.

The stem of the plant also plays an important role in gas exchange. In some plants, the
stems have pores on their surfaces, called lenticels, through which oxygen, carbon
dioxide, and water vapor can be released into the atmosphere. Lenticels can be seen as
raised circular, oval, or elongated openings on woody stems and trunks, as you can
see in the photo below.
 Figure 3

Definition: Lenticels

Lenticels are openings on the surfaces of stems and roots through which gas exchange
takes place with the atmosphere.

Plants primarily release excess water into the atmosphere through transpiration, in the
form of water vapor. Water molecules evaporate from the surfaces of the plant to the
air. There are three different types of transpiration: stomatal, lenticular, and cuticular.

Definition: Transpiration

Transpiration is the loss of water through evaporation from the aerial parts of a plant
to the atmosphere.

Stomatal transpiration is the evaporation of water molecules from the stomata. As we

have learned, stomata are capable of opening or closing depending on the need for gas
exchange. During the daytime, when the light intensity is high, plant cells carry out
photosynthesis. The stomata therefore open to allow the diffusion of carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere into the leaves. At the same time, since the stomata are open,
transpiration takes place. In most plants, the leaves contain a type of tissue made up of
mesophyll cells. This type of tissue can be spongy and, therefore, has large
intercellular spaces. Water vapor usually accumulates in these intercellular spaces
before being eliminated via transpiration through the stomata. Overall, stomatal
transpiration accounts for about 90% of the water lost from a plant through
transpiration.

Lenticular transpiration is the evaporation of water molecules from the lenticels on the
stems of woody plants. Only a minimal volume of water, around 0.1% of the total
water lost through transpiration, is lost in this way.

Cuticular transpiration is the evaporation of water molecules through the cuticle. The
cuticle is a waxy layer that coats the epidermis of the aerial parts of a plant. Cuticular
transpiration can happen when the stomata are closed. Overall, cuticular transpiration
accounts for less than 10% of the total water lost through transpiration. The rate of
cuticular transpiration depends on the thickness of the waxy cuticle. Plants growing
under extremely hot and dry conditions can develop thick cuticles to prevent excess
water loss through transpiration.

Definition: Cuticle

The cuticle is a waxy layer that coats the epidermis of the aerial parts of a plant.

Lenticular and cuticular transpiration occur throughout the day and night. However, at
night, when the stomata are generally closed, since photosynthesis cannot take place,
transpiration is accomplished primarily through the lenticels and cuticle.

Let’s quickly recap what we have learned about transpiration. In Table 1, you can see
a comparison between the three different forms of transpiration.

Table 1: Comparison of the three different forms of transpiration.

Stomatal Transpiration Lenticular Transpiration Cuticular Tr
The cuticle is a
Lenticels are openings
Stomata are pores on layer that coats
Part of the Plant on the stems of
the surfaces of leaves. epidermis of the
woody plants.
of a plant.
Percentage of
About 90% About 0.1% Less than 10%
Water Lost
Time of Occurrence During the daytime Throughout the day Throughout the
 and night and night

Example 2: Loss of Water through Pores in the Stem

Water can also be lost from a woody plant through small pores in the stem. What are
these pores called?

A. Glands
B. Hydathodes
C. Lenticels
D. Stomata

Answer

Plants primarily release excess water to the atmosphere through transpiration. Water
molecules evaporate from the surfaces of the plant to the air. There are three different
types of transpiration: stomatal, lenticular, and cuticular.

Plant stems play an important role in gas exchange, as well as in the absorption and
diffusion of water. They have pores on their surfaces, called lenticels, through which
oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor can be released to the atmosphere. Lenticels
can often be seen as raised circular, oval, or elongated openings on woody stems and
trunks.
Lenticular transpiration is the evaporation of water molecules from the lenticels on the
stem of a plant. Only a minimal volume of water is lost in this form of transpiration.

Therefore, the pores in the stems of woody plants through which water is lost are
called lenticels.

Aside from transpiration, water can also be eliminated from the bodies of some plants
in the liquid form, through a process called guttation.

The water carrying dissolved minerals that travels upward from the roots through the
xylem vessels is called the xylem sap. The absorption of water molecules from the
soil into the roots creates an upward pressure through the xylem vessels, called the
root pressure. Excess xylem sap is exuded in the form of water droplets through
structures called the hydathodes, which are found in the margins of leaves, as you can
see in the photo below.
Figure 4

This process is called guttation and is due to the upward root pressure. The water
droplets exuded through guttation are rich in dissolved minerals. These water droplets
should not be confused with dewdrops, which are formed by the condensation of
water molecules from the atmosphere on the surfaces of plants.
 While transpiration generally occurs during the daytime, guttation is more likely to
happen at night or in the early morning, when the stomata are closed and the plant
needs to eliminate large amounts of water.

Definition: Guttation (Droplet Exudation)

Guttation is the process of excreting xylem sap through the hydathodes at the margins
of leaves.

Definition: Hydathodes

Hydathodes are pores in the epidermis of leaf margins through which xylem sap is
excreted during guttation.

Example 3: The Primary Substance Excreted through Guttation in Plants

What is the primary substance excreted from the plant via guttation?

A. Urea
B. Nitrogenous waste
C. Xylem sap
D. Glucose
E. Excess salts

Answer

Plants absorb water from the soil through their roots. This water, which contains
dissolved minerals from the soil, must be transported upward to all the other organs of
the plant. The vascular tissue in plants that transports water is called the xylem.

Plants can eliminate excess water through two different processes: transpiration and
guttation. Transpiration is the evaporation of water from the surfaces of the plant to
the atmosphere, whereas guttation involves the exudation of water in the liquid form.

During guttation, water is eliminated from the plant through structures called the
hydathodes, which are found on the margins of the leaves. Let’s understand how this
process happens. The absorption of water molecules from the soil into the roots
creates an upward pressure through the xylem vessels of the plant, called the root
pressure. The process of guttation occurs as a result of this upward pressure, which
causes water from the xylem vessels to be excreted through the hydathodes in the
form of water droplets.
The water carrying dissolved minerals that travels upward through the xylem vessels
is called the xylem sap.

Therefore, the primary substance excreted from a plant via guttation is the xylem sap.

Another type of plant waste is nitrogenous waste. Just like animals, plants generate
nitrogenous waste products like urea. These are the result of protein metabolism, in
which proteins are broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids. Nitrogenous
waste products can be excreted, but they can also be reused for protein synthesis.
Nitrogen, in the form of ammonium and nitrates, is used to synthesize amino acids,
which are the building blocks of proteins. Plants therefore convert their nitrogenous
waste into reusable forms to synthesize the proteins they need for further growth and
development.

Sometimes plants can generate waste products in the form of mineral salts or acids,
which could have a toxic effect on the plant if allowed to accumulate. These
compounds are converted into crystals and stored in the cytoplasm or vacuole of some
plant cells. This prevents these potentially toxic compounds from spreading to
different parts of the plant and causing harmful effects. These insoluble crystals
accumulate in the leaves, bark, or fruits, which are eventually shed, leaving the plant
free from toxic substances. For example, plants growing in soils containing excess
calcium tend to accumulate insoluble crystals of calcium oxalate, called raphides, in
their roots, leaves, or tubers.

Some plants can store certain waste products in resins or gums, which accumulate in
old xylem vessels. Some plants may also produce these substances in response to
injuries. Secretions like latex and oils can contain metabolic waste, and they
accumulate in the bark, leaves, or stems. The photo below shows an example of resin
secreted from the trunk of a tree.
Figure 5

Plants are also capable of excreting certain compounds like organic acids, amino
acids, and sugars into the soil through their roots. Some of these organic acids help the
plant solubilize certain nutrients in the soil so that they can be reabsorbed by the roots.
 Example 4: Storage of Waste Products in Plant Organs

Complete the statement to describe one form of waste removal in plants: Waste
products can be stored in the of a plant, which can then drop off when no longer
required.

A. stem
B. spores
C. ovules
D. leaves

Answer

Plants survive by performing metabolic reactions, in which a set of reactants are

converted into products that the plant needs for its growth and survival. Aside from
the products that the plant needs, certain other compounds are also generated through
metabolic reactions, which are beyond the plant’s requirements. These are called
metabolic wastes and must be eliminated from the plant’s body.

Sometimes plants can generate waste products in the form of mineral salts or acids,
which could have a toxic effect on the plant if allowed to accumulate. These
compounds are converted into insoluble crystals and stored in the cytoplasm or
vacuole of some plant cells. Since these crystals cannot dissolve, this prevents these
potentially toxic compounds from spreading to different parts of the plant and causing
harmful effects. These insoluble crystals accumulate in the leaves, bark, or fruits,
which are eventually shed, leaving the plant free from toxic substances. For example,
plants growing in soils containing excess calcium tend to accumulate insoluble
crystals of calcium oxalate, called raphides, in their roots, leaves, or tubers.

Let’s take a look at the options provided in the question. Of the listed options, leaves
are the only organs in which waste products can be stored, which then drop off from
the plant when no longer required.

Therefore, waste products can be stored in the leaves of the plant, which then drop off
when no longer required.

Let’s summarize everything that we have learned about excretion in plants.

Key Points

 Plants generate metabolic waste products that must be either excreted or reused.
  The gaseous waste products generated by photosynthesis and respiration are
used as substrates for the opposite reaction.
 Gas exchange occurs with the atmosphere to eliminate excess gaseous waste.
 Water can be eliminated through evaporation via three different types of
transpiration: stomatal, lenticular, and cuticular.
 Water can be eliminated as a liquid, in the form of xylem sap, through
guttation, in which it is exuded through pores called the hydathodes.
 The nitrogenous waste products generated through protein metabolism are
reused in protein synthesis.
 Waste products consisting of mineral salts, such as calcium oxalate, are stored
as insoluble crystals called raphides in some plants.

Plant RespirationPlants
Respiration is a chain of chemical reactions that enables all living entities to synthesize energy
required to sustain.

It is a biochemical process wherein air moves between the external environment and the tissues
and cells of the species. In respiration, inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide gas
takes place. As an entity acquires energy through oxidising nutrients and hence liberating wastes,
it is referred to as a metabolic process.

Let us have a look at the respiration in plants notes provided here to know about the process of
respiration, and the different types of respiration that occur in plants.

Do Plants Breathe?
Yes, like animals and humans, plants also breathe.

Plants do require oxygen to respire, the process in return gives out carbon dioxide. Unlike
humans and animals, plants do not possess any specialized structures for exchange of gases,
however, they do possess stomata (found in leaves) and lenticels (found in stems) actively
involved in the gaseous exchange. Leaves, stems and plant roots respire at a low pace compared
to humans and animals.

Breathing is different from respiration. Both animals and humans breathe, which is a step
involved in respiration. Plants take part in respiration all through their life as the plant cell needs
the energy to survive, however, plants breathe differently, through a process known as Cellular
respiration.

In this process of cellular respiration, plants generate glucose molecules through photosynthesis
by capturing energy from sunlight and converting it into glucose. Several live experiments
demonstrate the breathing of plants. All plants respire to provide energy for their cells to be
active or alive.

The Process of Respiration in Plants

During respiration, in different plant parts, significantly less exchange of gas takes place. Hence,
each part nourishes and fulfils its own energy requirements.

Consequently, leaves, stems and roots of plants separately exchange gases. Leaves possess
stomata – tiny pores, for gaseous exchange. The oxygen consumed via stomata is used up by
cells in the leaves to disintegrate glucose into water and carbon dioxide.

Respiration In Roots
Roots, the underground part of the plants, absorbs air from the air gaps/spaces found between the
soil particles. Hence, absorbed oxygen through roots is utilized to liberate the energy that in the
future, is used to transport salts and minerals from the soil.

We know that plants possess a specific ability to synthesize their own food through
photosynthesis. Photosynthesis takes place in only those parts of the plants which have
chlorophyll, the green plant parts. Photosynthesis is so evident that at times it seems to mask the
respiratory process in plants. Respiration must not be mistaken for photosynthesis. Respiration
occurs all through the day, but the photosynthesis process occurs in the daytime, in the presence
of sunlight only. Consequently, respiration becomes evident at night time in plants.

This is the reason we often hear people warn against sleeping under a tree during nighttime, as it
may lead to suffocation due to excess amounts of carbon dioxide liberated by trees following
respiration.

Respiration In Stems
The air in case of stem diffuses into the stomata and moves through different parts of the cell to
respire. During this stage, the carbon dioxide liberated is also diffused through the stomata.
Lenticels are known to perform gaseous exchange in woody or higher plants.

Respiration In Leaves
Leaves consist of tiny pores known as stomata. Gaseous exchange occurs through diffusion via
stomata. Guard cells regulate each of the stomata. Exchange of gases occurs with the closing and
opening of the stoma between the inferior of leaves and the atmosphere.

Differences between Respiration and Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis Respiration

This process is common to all green plants containing This process is common to all living things, including
chlorophyll pigments. plants, animals, birds, etc.

Food is synthesized. Food is oxidised.

Energy is stored. Energy is released.

Is an anabolic process. Is a catabolic process.

Cytochrome is required. Cytochrome is required here too

It is an Endothermal process. It is an Exothermal process.

It comprises products such as water, oxygen and sugar It comprises products such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen
Radiant energy is converted into potential energy. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Occurs during daytime in the presence of sunlight only. Is a continuous process, taking place all through the
lifetime

Types of Respiration
There are two main types of respiration.

Aerobic Respiration
This type of respiration takes place in the mitochondria of all eukaryotic entities. Food molecules
are completely oxidised into the carbon dioxide, water, and energy is released in the presence of
oxygen. This type of respiration is observed in all the higher organisms and necessitates
atmospheric oxygen.

Anaerobic Respiration
This type of respiration occurs within the cytoplasm of prokaryotic entities such as yeast and
bacteria. Here, lesser energy is liberated as a result of incomplete oxidation of food in the
absence of oxygen. Ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide are produced during anaerobic respiration.

Important Questions for you

 How do plants breathe?
All green plants breathe through the process of Cellular respiration. In this process, nutrients
obtained from the soil are converted into energy and are used for different cellular activities.

 Do plants breathe at night?

Yes, plants breathe throughout its life span both during the day and night. The chemical equation
of cellular respiration is expressed as — oxygen + glucose -> carbon dioxide + water + heat
energy.

 Name the respiratory organ in woody stems.

In hard and woody stems, respiration or the exchange of gases takes place through lenticels.
They are the small pores, scattered all over the bark and are found in all trees.

 What is the role of stomata in plant’s respiration?

Stomata are the tiny pores located on the epidermis of leaves, stems and other organs. During
cellular respiration, stomata facilitate gaseous exchange by opening and closing of the pores.

 Which part of roots is involved in the exchange of respiratory gases?

Root hairs, the tubular extensions of the epidermis are involved in the exchange of respiratory
gases.