What happens when a plant does not get enough water and starts to wilt?

When a plant does not get enough water and starts to wilt, it typically closes its stomata. Stomata are tiny openings on the surface of leaves that facilitate the exchange of gases, including the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) for photosynthesis and the release of oxygen (O2) as a byproduct.

Under conditions of water scarcity, the plant enters a stress response to conserve water. By closing its stomata, the plant significantly reduces water loss through transpiration, which is the process of water evaporating from the leaf surface. However, this closure also limits the intake of carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis. Consequently, the plant may not be able to generate sufficient oxygen since photosynthesis is hindered by the lack of carbon dioxide.

Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the physiological response of a plant under drought stress. The plant prioritizes water conservation over gas exchange, leading to a cessation of photosynthetic activity due to limited CO2 intake.