How Do Plants Do Excretion?

Plants excrete waste products through several methods, primarily involving the removal of gaseous wastes and the shedding of parts.

Here's a breakdown of how plants excrete:

• Gaseous Waste Removal:

  • Stomata: The primary method for releasing oxygen (O₂) during photosynthesis and carbon dioxide (CO₂) during respiration is through the stomata, which are small pores located mainly on the underside of leaves. Water vapor is also released through stomata in a process called transpiration.

  • Lenticels: Stems of woody plants have lenticels, which are small openings that allow for gas exchange, including the release of waste gases.

• Solid and Liquid Waste Management:

  • Storage in Leaves and Bark: Some waste products are stored within the leaves and bark of trees.

  • Shedding: When the leaves and bark are shed (leaf abscission, bark shedding), these accumulated wastes are eliminated from the plant. This is particularly noticeable in deciduous trees.

  • Secretion: Plants can also excrete waste substances into the soil surrounding their roots.

  • Crystals: Plants can store waste in the form of crystals such as calcium oxalate. This prevents them from interfering with metabolic processes.

Summary:

Plants excrete primarily through stomata and lenticels (for gaseous wastes), shedding of leaves and bark (for solid and liquid wastes), secretion into the soil, and storing wastes as crystals.