What are stomata?

What are stomata?

• A. Tiny openings for gas exchange; controlled by guard cells
• B. Male reproductive organs of a flower
• C. The vascular tissue responsible for transport
• D. A type of ground tissue in plants for storage

Answer: (A)

Stomata are tiny openings on the surface of leaves that allow gases to move between the plant and the air. Each pore is controlled by two guard cells that regulate whether the opening is open or closed. When the guard cells are turgid, the stomatal pore opens to let in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and to release oxygen and water vapor; when they lose turgor, the pore closes to conserve water. They’re not male reproductive organs, not the vascular tissue that transports water and nutrients, and not a storage tissue.

Stomata are tiny openings on the surface of leaves that allow gases to move between the plant and the air. Each pore is controlled by two guard cells that regulate whether the opening is open or closed. When the guard cells are turgid, the stomatal pore opens to let in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and to release oxygen and water vapor; when they lose turgor, the pore closes to conserve water. They’re not male reproductive organs, not the vascular tissue that transports water and nutrients, and not a storage tissue.