A CO₂ gradient between the inside and outside of a leaf is maintained during photosynthesis because

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During photosynthesis, CO₂ is used up by the mesophyll cells in the leaf, leading to a decrease in CO₂ concentration inside the leaf. This creates a gradient between the higher concentration of CO₂ outside the leaf and the lower concentration of CO₂ inside the leaf, which allows for diffusion of CO₂ into the leaf. The plant does not actively expend energy to maintain this gradient, and stomata do not necessarily close whenever more CO₂ is needed.

A CO₂ Gradient Between the Inside and Outside of a Leaf