Why do plants need oxygen?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Like animals, plants also need oxygen for their aerobic respiration. This process is continuously occurring in the cells of the leaf's chloroplasts to produce the cellular energy store, ATP. A lack of sufficient oxygen causes the plant to suffocate and use inefficient fermentation systems. The roots, especially, depend on absorbing oxygen from the soil. Waterlogged conditions cause the cells of the roots to die of compulsory oxygen starvation in the root cells.
Energy Production
- Essential for mitochondrial ATP synthesis
- Final electron acceptor in respiratory electron transport chain
- Enables 36x more energy than anaerobic fermentation
- Required for pyruvate conversion in Krebs cycle
Root Function
- Root hairs absorb dissolved oxygen from soil air pockets
- Powers active nutrient uptake against concentration gradients
- Maintains root growth and development processes
- Prevents root rot pathogens in well-aerated soils
Stress Response
- Triggers antioxidant production against oxidative damage
- Regulates stomatal closure during drought conditions
- Facilitates wound healing through lignin formation
- Supports heat shock protein synthesis
A gardener can avoid oxygen starvation in the soil by managing it well. For good structure and aeration, compost is to be added to the soil. Do not over-water containers and garden beds. Raised beds are recommended for use with clay soils. With these practices, the plants' roots will receive sufficient atmospheric oxygen, necessary for balanced growth.
Specialized plants have developed adaptations for oxygen. For example, mangroves grow the pneumatophores above the water. Rice develops aerenchyma air channels in its stems. Wetland plants transport oxygen from their leaves to their roots. All of these adaptations demonstrate the importance of oxygen across various ecosystems.
Read the full article: Respiration in Plants: The Complete Process Guide
