Adaptations of plants for photosynthesis: gas exchange and stomata
You can describe how plants are adapted to take in and release gases to support photosynthesis.
Adaptations of plants for photosynthesis: gas exchange and stomata
You can describe how plants are adapted to take in and release gases to support photosynthesis.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Plant leaves take in carbon dioxide gas from the air for photosynthesis
- The oxygen made by photosynthesis is released as a gas from leaves into the air
- This process is called gas exchange
- Leaves have small holes in their surface called stomata for gas exchange
- Molecules of gases move through open stomata by diffusion
Keywords
Gas exchange - Gas exchange in plants is when photosynthesising leaves take in carbon dioxide gas and release waste oxygen gas.
Stomata - Small holes in the surfaces of a leaf.
Guard cells - Cells next to stomata that can change shape to open and close the stomata.
Diffusion - Diffusion is caused by the continuous random movement of molecules of a gas (or of a liquid).
Net movement - When more molecules of a gas (or of a liquid) diffuse from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Adaptations of plants for photosynthesis: gas exchange and stomata, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Adaptations of plants for photosynthesis: gas exchange and stomata, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Plant nutrition and photosynthesis unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
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Exit quiz
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