Where do Green Plants Living in Water Get Carbon Dioxide

Green plants, whether they grow on land or in water, need carbon dioxide to survive. In fact, carbon dioxide is a critical component of the process of photosynthesis, which is used by plants to synthesize their own food. But where do green plants living in water get carbon dioxide?

Diffusion from the Atmosphere

One way that green aquatic plants can get carbon dioxide is by diffusion from the atmosphere. This happens when carbon dioxide molecules from the air above the water surface diffuse through the water and enter the plant through its leaves. This is similar to how land plants get carbon dioxide from the air surrounding them.

From the Water

Another way that green plants living in water get carbon dioxide is from the water itself. Dissolved carbon dioxide is present in water, and aquatic plants can take in this dissolved carbon dioxide through their leaves for photosynthesis.

In addition, some aquatic plants have specialized structures called stomata or aerenchyma that facilitate the movement of carbon dioxide from the water into the plant. Stomata are tiny openings on the plant's surface that allow for the exchange of gases between the plant and its environment. Aerenchyma, on the other hand, are spaces within the plant's tissue that allow for the exchange of gases between different parts of the plant

From Organisms in the Water

Green aquatic plants can also obtain carbon dioxide from other organisms in the water. For example, when aquatic animals breathe, they release carbon dioxide into the water. This dissolved carbon dioxide can then be taken up by the nearby aquatic plants and used for photosynthesis.

In addition, some aquatic plants have a symbiotic relationship with algae, which can provide them with carbon dioxide. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that produce excess carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. They can share this carbon dioxide with nearby aquatic plants, allowing both organisms to thrive.

Conclusion

Green plants living in water can obtain carbon dioxide from a variety of sources, including diffusion from the atmosphere, dissolved carbon dioxide in the water, and other organisms in the water. These sources provide aquatic plants with the critical component they need to perform photosynthesis and produce their own food, ultimately contributing to the entire aquatic ecosystem.