THE NUTRITION" OF PLANTS 



155 



iijion respiration, wliich means the absorption of oxygen by 

 the protoplasm, the breaking down of protophism, and the 

 giving off of carbon dioxide and water as wastes. Tlie im- 



FiG 146 The con mon Nortl in fitcl r]! t 11 

 anil a "in„, form a lo^tlti, fiou the ccutei 

 After KERNEit. 



]iortani'e nf tliis process may l_>e realized wlieii it is remcm- 

 liered that there is tlu^ same need in our own living, as it 

 is essential for ns also t" •■ Ijreathe in ''■' oxygen, and as a 

 result Ave "■ breathe out " carbon dioxide and water. This 

 breaking down or " oxidizing " of protoplasm releases the 



