Scientists have captured the process of plants “breathing” in real time using a camera, marking a significant scientific breakthrough.
For many years, researchers have known that plants take in air through tiny pores on their leaves called stomata. These microscopic openings allow carbon dioxide to enter the leaf while releasing water vapor into the air.
However, directly observing this process had remained extremely difficult.
Now, researchers at the University of Illinois in the United States have developed a powerful new system that makes this possible. Using a tool known as Stomata InSight, scientists were able to observe leaf movement and measure how much gas leaves absorb from and release into the atmosphere.
This marks the first time scientists have been able to watch plants breathe in real time.
The word stomata comes from Greek and means “mouth.” These tiny pores play a central role in agriculture worldwide. When stomata open, plants absorb carbon dioxide needed for growth, but at the same time, they lose water.
The new system combines three advanced technologies: live confocal microscopy, leaf gas exchange measurement, and environmental control. By integrating these technologies, scientists can directly observe the breathing process of plants as it happens.
According to the researchers, studying plant functions in this way can help improve farming practices. The findings may support the development of crops that require less water, which is especially important in regions facing water shortages.
The results of the research have been published in the journal Plant Physiology.
