Question

Briefly describe the integrated roles of air spaces within the leaves of hydrophytes for each of the following processes of aquatic plants. What is the gas exchange, light acquisition, and water relations? Gas exchange: Light acquisition: Water relations:

Answer 1

Hydrophytes resides in water and thus this name ......some hydrophytic leaf cells have air spaces called lacunae/ aerenchyma. These small air spaces in the cell assist in the exchange of gases like oxygen and co2 for photosynthesis . Air spaces make it easier for gases to diffuse. Further these air spaces are used for buoyancy in them thus uplifting the plant to acquire optimum light . Water surrounding the plant provides support as in absence of any mechanical support in them water plays this role very well.