Vaseline was applied to both surfaces of the leaves of a plant. Which of the following process/processes would be affected ? 1. Photosynthesis 2. Respiration 3. Transpiration Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Applying Vaseline to both surfaces of a leaf creates an airtight and waterproof barrier that blocks the stomata, which are tiny pores essential for gas exchange [3]. This blockage directly affects three vital processes. First, transpiration is halted because water vapor cannot escape through the sealed pores [2]. Second, photosynthesis is inhibited because the plant cannot take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is a necessary raw material for the process [1]. Third, respiration is affected because the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide required for cellular energy production is restricted. While plants can internally recycle some gases between photosynthesis and respiration during the day, the total blockage of external gas exchange eventually disrupts the metabolic balance and leads to the plant's decline. Therefore, all three processes—photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration—are significantly affected.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.1 > p. 83
2. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.8 > p. 95
3. [2] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 10: Life Processes in Plants > Activity 10.6: Let us examine (demonstration activity) > p. 147