Question

Inorganic carbon is abundant in water, but this does not necessarily mean that aquatic plants have ready access to carbon. In particular, what attribute of the water adjacent to the plant surface might limit diffusion of inorganic carbon molecules from the water into the plant?

a) Low temperature
b) High salinity
c) Low pressure
d) Low oxygen concentration
e) High turbulence

Answer 1

High turbulence next to the plant surface can inhibit the diffusion of inorganic carbon to aquatic plants by disrupting the boundary layer needed for nutrient and gas exchange. Water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels also play a role in the solubility and diffusion rates of gases critical for plant processes such as photosynthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

In aquatic ecosystems, the attribute of the water adjacent to the plant surface that might limit diffusion of inorganic carbon molecules from the water into the plant is high turbulence. Turbulence in the water can prevent the efficient diffusion of carbon to aquatic plants by disrupting the boundary layer, a thin layer of still water that surrounds the plant leaves.

Factors such as water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels also affect gas solubility. Cooler water tends to hold more dissolved oxygen and gases like carbon dioxide diffusing faster at higher temperatures, but this can also lead to a faster loss of gases from plant leaves and potentially lower the rate of photosynthesis if not balanced by the availability of other resources such as light and water.