Why both oxygen and carbon dioxide enter and leave the plant?

Oxygen and carbon dioxide both enter and leave the plant through small openings called stomata, which are primarily located on the underside of leaves. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen as a byproduct. Conversely, during respiration, plants consume oxygen to break down glucose for energy, producing carbon dioxide. This exchange is vital for maintaining the balance of gases in the atmosphere and supporting the plant's metabolic processes.