How Plants Breathe

Plants do not have lungs like humans, but they breathe to survive. This process is essential for life on Earth.

The Tiny Mouths

Plants breathe through tiny holes on their leaves called stomata. These holes are microscopic. You cannot see them without a microscope. Stomata act like small doors. They open and close to let gases move in and out.

The Gas Exchange

Plants need carbon dioxide to make food. During the day, they take in carbon dioxide from the air through their stomata. They use this gas, along with sunlight and water, to create energy. This process is called photosynthesis.

As a result of making food, plants release oxygen. This is a lucky benefit for us. Humans and animals need oxygen to breathe. Plants essentially "breathe out" the oxygen that we need to live.

Nighttime Breathing

At night, there is no sunlight. Photosynthesis stops. Plants then switch to a different process called respiration. During respiration, plants take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, similar to how humans breathe. However, the amount of oxygen plants produce during the day is much greater than the amount they use at night.

Why It Matters

This cycle keeps the air clean. Forests and plants act like the "lungs of the planet." They remove carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas, and provide the oxygen that supports almost all life. Without these tiny stomata, our atmosphere would be very different.

Healthy plants mean healthy air. Whether it is a small houseplant or a giant tree, they are all working hard to exchange gases every single day.

Do you have any plants in your home or garden?