Stomata are tiny openings or pores in plant leaves and stems that play a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis and gas exchange. They have several important functions:
Gas Exchange: Stomata are the primary sites for gas exchange in plants. They allow carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) to enter the leaf for photosynthesis and release oxygen (Oâ‚‚) as a byproduct of this process.
Transpiration: Stomata help in the process of transpiration, which is the evaporation of water from plant leaves. This evaporation creates a ‘pull’ (transpirational pull) which helps in the absorption and upward movement of water and nutrients from the roots to different parts of the plant.
Regulation of Water Loss: By opening and closing their pores, stomata can regulate the amount of water loss. This is particularly important in preventing dehydration in plants during hot or dry conditions.
Temperature Regulation: Through transpiration, stomata help in cooling the plant. The evaporation of water from the leaf surface cools the plant, similar to how sweating cools humans.
The opening and closing of stomata are controlled by guard cells that surround each stoma. These guard cells swell or shrink in response to various environmental factors like light, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and internal plant signals, thereby opening or closing the stomatal pores
