Question

Why is it important for plants that carbon dioxide uptake at day should be greater than the release of carbon dioxide during night?

Answer 1

Photosynthesis is a process used by plants to make its own food. Plants take in carbon dioxide and use energy from the sun to convert it into glucose and oxygen. Glucose is further converted into energy by the process of respiration. Respiration happens in the absence of sunlight i.e at night. During respiration plants take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide.

Complete answer:
If the amount of carbon dioxide used in the process of photosynthesis is lesser than the amount of carbon dioxide released in the process of respiration, it means that the plant is starving and would eventually die.
Plants store excess glucose molecules from photosynthesis during the day and use it during the night to survive. The excess sugar molecules are stored in roots and saps. These sugar molecules are utilized in respiration. At the end of the respiration reaction, carbon dioxide is liberated.
But if there are no excess glucose molecules available for respiration, it means that respiration will no longer occur and no energy will be produced. This may lead to death of the plant.
If carbon dioxide intake is more during the day, more sugar molecules are produced, which will be readily available for respiration during the night.
Hence intake of carbon dioxide during the day should always be greater than the release of carbon dioxide during the night.

Note:
Respiration is a metabolic process occurring in plants where the glucose is converted into energy with or without the presence of oxygen. If it takes place in the presence of oxygen, it’s called aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration is seen in all higher animals and plants. If respiration takes place in the absence of oxygen, it is called anaerobic respiration. It is performed by certain prokaryotes and yeasts. Here, at the end of the reaction, alcohol is produced.