1. Stomata: Bird's nest ferns have tiny pores called stomata on the undersides of their leaves. These stomata are responsible for gas exchange, allowing the fern to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and release oxygen (O2).
2. Guard Cells: Each stoma is surrounded by two specialized cells called guard cells. These guard cells control the opening and closing of the stomata, regulating the fern's gas exchange.
3. Diffusion: During the day, when the fern is actively photosynthesizing, the guard cells open the stomata. This allows CO2 to diffuse into the fern's leaves and O2 to diffuse out.
4. Photosynthesis: Inside the fern's leaves are chloroplasts, organelles that contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that absorbs sunlight. The absorbed sunlight provides energy for the fern to convert the CO2 and water (H2O) into glucose and O2.
5. Glucose: Glucose is a type of sugar that the fern uses as energy for growth and development. The O2 produced during photosynthesis is released through the stomata into the atmosphere.
6. Respiration: In addition to photosynthesis, bird's nest ferns also undergo cellular respiration, a process that consumes O2 and produces CO2. This process occurs in the mitochondria of the fern's cells and helps generate energy for the plant.
Overall, the bird's nest fern's breathing process involves the exchange of gases between the plant and the atmosphere through the stomata on the undersides of its leaves. Photosynthesis and respiration are two vital processes that enable the fern to acquire energy and grow while contributing to the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the environment.