NEETBotanyPhotosynthesis in Higher Plants
What happens to leaves under water stress?
Options
- ALeaves expand
- BLeaves change colour
- CLeaves wilt
- DLeaves increase metabolic activity
Correct answer
C. Leaves wilt
Step-by-step solution
Even though water is one of the reactants in the light reaction, the effect of water as a factor is more through its effect on the plant, rather than directly on photosynthesis. Water stress causes the stomata to close hence reducing the CO2 availability. Besides, water stress also makes leaves wilt, thus, reducing the surface area of the leaves and their metabolic activity as well.