Stomata

There are certain parts in all green plants which are essential and play a critical role in different life processes. Stomata is one of the essential parts that is involved in gaseous exchange. There are thousands of stomata on the surface of the leaves. Most of these are found on the lower side of the leaves.

Table of Contents

What is Stomata?
Types of Stomata
Anomocytic Stomata
Anisocytic Stomata
Diacytic Stomata
Paracytic Stomata
Gramineous Stomata
Structure of Stomata
Functions of Stomata
Opening and Closing of Stomata

In this article, let us explore what stomata is, its types, structure, and functions along with its opening and closing.

Stomata are the tiny openings present on the epidermis of leaves. We can see stomata under the light microscope. In some of the plants, stomata are present on stems and other parts of plants.  Stomata play an important role in gaseous exchange and photosynthesis. They control by transpiration rate by opening and closing.

Explore more Morphology of Leaves

There are different types of stomata and they are mainly classified based on their number and characteristics of the surrounding subsidiary cells. Listed below are the different types of stomata.

They are surrounded by epidermal cells, which have a fixed shape and size.  The stomata appear to be embedded in epidermal cells. There is no definite number and arrangement of cells surrounding the stomata.

Stomata are surrounded by three subsidiary cells having unequal sizes, one is smaller compared to the other two.

The stomata are surrounded by a pair of subsidiary cells that are perpendicular to the guard cell.

The stomata are continuously surrounded by two subsidiaries, which are arranged parallel to the stomatal pore and the guard cells.

Each stoma possesses two guard cells, which are shaped like dumbbells. The subsidiary cells are parallel to the guard cells. The guard cells are found narrow in the middle and wider at the ends.

Structure of Stomata

The stomata consist of minute pores called stoma surrounded by a pair of guard cells. Stomata, open and close according to the turgidity of guard cells. The cell wall surrounding the pore is tough and flexible. The shape of guard cells usually differs in both monocots and dicots, though the mechanism continues to be the same. Guard cells are bean-shaped and contain chloroplasts. They contain chlorophyll and capture light energy.

The subsidiary cells surround the guard cells. They are the accessory cells to guard cells and are found in the epidermis of plants. They are present between guard cells and epidermal cells and protect epidermal cells when the guard cells expand during stomatal opening.

The average number of stomata is about 300 per square mm of the leaf surface.

Also, refer to Distribution of Stomata in the Lower and Upper Surfaces of the Leaves

The table given below explains the total number of stomata present on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves of different plants.

The main functions of stomata are:

1. Gaseous exchange- Stomatal opening and closure help in the gaseous exchange between the plant and surrounding.
2. It helps in transpiration and removal of excess water in the form of water vapour.
3. Stomatal closure at night prevents water from escaping through pores.
4. It maintains the moisture balance according to weather by opening and closing.
5. Stomata facilitate carbon dioxide uptake and release of oxygen during the process of photosynthesis.

The mechanism of stomatal opening and closure

The opening and closing of stomata depend on the turgor pressure, caused by the osmotic flow of water in the guard cells. When the guard cells are turgid, they expand resulting in the opening of stomata. When the guard cells lose water, they become flaccid leading to stomatal closure. Stomata normally open when the light strikes the leaf and close during the night.

Also read-Transpiration

Learn more in detail about what is stomata, its structure, functions and other related topics at BYJU’S Biology