Why plants need oxygen, and what …

Plants do need oxygen, but their relationship with oxygen is somewhat different from animals. Here's why: 1. **Respiration**: Plants undergo a process called cellular respiration, just like animals. During respiration, they use oxygen to break down sugars and other organic molecules to generate energy (in the form of ATP) for their growth and metabolic processes. While plants can produce some of their own oxygen through photosynthesis, they still need to take in oxygen from the surrounding environment to support their cellular respiration. 2. **Roots**: Oxygen is essential for the roots of plants. The roots of most plants need oxygen to carry out aerobic respiration, especially in the absence of oxygen-producing processes like photosynthesis. Oxygen is required for the metabolic activities in the root cells, and it helps in nutrient uptake from the soil. 3. **Mitochondria**: Similar to animals, plants have mitochondria in their cells, and these organelles require oxygen to produce energy efficiently. Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain within mitochondria, which is vital for ATP synthesis. 4. **Stress Response**: In waterlogged or flooded conditions, plants can experience oxygen deprivation in their root zone. This lack of oxygen can be harmful to plant roots and overall growth. In such situations, plants may develop adaptations to enhance oxygen uptake or switch to anaerobic metabolic pathways temporarily. In summary, plants need oxygen primarily for respiration, especially in their roots, and to support energy production in their cells. While they can generate some oxygen during photosynthesis, they still rely on external oxygen sources.