With reference to respiration in plants, consider the following statements: 1. Plants take in oxygen from the air and give out carbon dioxide. 2. Only the leaves are capable of exchanging gases with the atmosphere. 3. Roots absorb air from the spaces between the soil particles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation Respiration in plants is the process by which they generate energy by breaking down glucose. This process requires oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. Unlike animals, plants do not possess a specialized respiratory system for gas transport; instead, each plant part (root, stem, and leaf) takes care of its own gas exchange needs. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: During respiration, plants take in oxygen from the atmosphere and release carbon dioxide. This process occurs day and night in all living cells of the plant. It is distinct from photosynthesis, which occurs only in the presence of light, consumes carbon dioxide, and releases oxygen. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Gas exchange is not limited to leaves. While leaves exchange gases through tiny pores called stomata, other parts of the plant also participate. Stems (especially woody stems) exchange gases through openings called lenticels, and roots exchange gases through their surface and root hairs. - Statement 3 is Correct: Roots require oxygen to generate energy for active transport of minerals and survival. They absorb air (oxygen) present in the spaces between soil particles through root hairs via the process of diffusion. This is why waterlogging, which expels air from soil spaces, can be detrimental to plant roots. Key Takeaway: Plant respiration involves the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide by all plant parts independently, including roots (via soil air spaces), stems (via lenticels), and leaves (via stomata).

NCERT Class 7 Science — Chapter 2: Respiration in organisms

mcqmedium

With reference to respiration in plants, consider the following statements:

Plants take in oxygen from the air and give out carbon dioxide.
Only the leaves are capable of exchanging gases with the atmosphere.
Roots absorb air from the spaces between the soil particles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Respiration in plants is the process by which they generate energy by breaking down glucose. This process requires oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. Unlike animals, plants do not possess a specialized respiratory system for gas transport; instead, each plant part (root, stem, and leaf) takes care of its own gas exchange needs.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: During respiration, plants take in oxygen from the atmosphere and release carbon dioxide. This process occurs day and night in all living cells of the plant. It is distinct from photosynthesis, which occurs only in the presence of light, consumes carbon dioxide, and releases oxygen.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Gas exchange is not limited to leaves. While leaves exchange gases through tiny pores called stomata, other parts of the plant also participate. Stems (especially woody stems) exchange gases through openings called lenticels, and roots exchange gases through their surface and root hairs.
Statement 3 is Correct: Roots require oxygen to generate energy for active transport of minerals and survival. They absorb air (oxygen) present in the spaces between soil particles through root hairs via the process of diffusion. This is why waterlogging, which expels air from soil spaces, can be detrimental to plant roots.

Key Takeaway: Plant respiration involves the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide by all plant parts independently, including roots (via soil air spaces), stems (via lenticels), and leaves (via stomata).

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Respiration in organisms

With reference to cellular respiration, consider the following statements: 1. It is the process of synthesis of food within the cell using energy. 2. It takes place in the cells of all living organisms. 3. The breakdown of food always occurs in the absence of oxygen. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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What is the biological term for the breakdown of glucose in the absence of oxygen?

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What are the end-products of anaerobic respiration (fermentation) in yeast?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: During respiration, plants take in oxygen from the atmosphere and release carbon dioxide. This process occurs day and night in all living cells of the plant. It is distinct from photosynthesis, which occurs only in the presence of light, consumes carbon dioxide, and releases oxygen.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Gas exchange is not limited to leaves. While leaves exchange gases through tiny pores called stomata, other parts of the plant also participate. Stems (especially woody stems) exchange gases through openings called lenticels, and roots exchange gases through their surface and root hairs.
Statement 3 is Correct: Roots require oxygen to generate energy for active transport of minerals and survival. They absorb air (oxygen) present in the spaces between soil particles through root hairs via the process of diffusion. This is why waterlogging, which expels air from soil spaces, can be detrimental to plant roots.