| A. | Plant organs such as roots, stems and leaves respire at comparatively slower rates |
| B. | Photosynthesising cells generate \(O_2\) within themselves, making external \(O_2\) availability less critical |
| C. | The living cells of even thick, woody stems are arranged in thin layers beneath bark and have lenticels for contact with air |
| D. | Most interior cells of stems are living and actively respiring, creating high gas exchange demands |
| 1. | Because chlorophyll molecules themselves directly absorb oxygen during respiration |
| 2. | Because gases are actively pumped from one organ to another through vascular tissues |
| 3. | Because plants respire at very high rates only during the night |
| 4. | Because each plant part independently fulfils its own gaseous exchange needs |