What are the Functions and Types of Stomata?

1. What are the Functions and Types of Stomata? Stomata is defined as tiny openings that are located on the epidermis of leaves. These openings operate on their own, opening and closing. Besides, this method, directly controls the transpiration rate, as it also plays an important role in photosynthesis, as well as in the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. The tiny pores of stomata can be clearly seen in microscope, and a single pore is called Stoma. While these are generally located only in the epidermis of leaves, in a certain structure of stomata, they can also be seen in the others parts of a plant, especially the stem. Structure of Stomata Here in this section, we will talk about the structure of Stomata in great detail, and explain the different components in the Stomata structure. As you can see from the above picture, there are multiple components in a Stomata such as Vacuole, Guard Cells, Stomatal Pore, Nucleus, Inner Thick Wall, Chloroplast, Outer Thin Wall, etc. All these components play an important role in the process of transpiration, as thick stomata walls open and close, to absorb carbon dioxide in the air, and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Epidermal Cell: This is the outermost layer of a plant and is composed of cells that are born out of dermal tissues. These cells generally look irregular in their shape and play a key mechanical support to the plant Subsidiary Cell: The subsidiary cell can be seen next to the guard cells in the stroma of a leaf. These cells are in the proximity of mother cells and also provide support Stomatal Pores:These are the minute pores seen under a leaf’s surface. These openings extend a crucial function in gas exchange in a plant, most commonly oxygen and carbon dioxide. Guard Cells: Guard cells are kidney-shaped or at times seen in the form of dumbbells, and function to ensure the stoma’s opening and closing mechanism is proper.

2. Types of Stomata Now that you have understood the Stomata in leaves, their functions, structure, etc. Let us now talk about the different types of Stomata briefly here in this section. Diacytic Stomata– The stomata is surrounded by subsidiary cells, which are placed perpendicular to the guard cells in the stomata. Anomocytic Stomata– Unlike other stomata, these have a fixed shape and size, and are embedded in epidermal cells. However, it is very hard to find the number of anomocytic cells, or their arrangement generally. Paracytic Stomata– This stomata observes two subsidiaries that surround the stomatal pore parallelly, as well as the guard cell. Gramineous Stomata –Similar to the paracytic cell, the subsidiary cells are placed parallel to the guard cells. More importantly, in these types of stomata, each single stomata consists of two guard cells, which are in a shape similar to that of dumbbells. Anisocytic Stomata– This stomata are generally surrounded by three subsidiary cells, each of different sizes. Functions of Stomata The Stomata generally have various different functions, which we will explain in detail below. From the above description, as you can understand, the uses of Stomata can be multiple and diverse too. Stomata play a very important role in the process of Photosynthesis, which generally involves, the release of oxygen and the uptake of carbon dioxide. This among stomata functions is the most crucial one for the survival and health of a plant. Another important uses of stomata is that it is essential for maintaining the moisture balance, based on the changes in weather. As per other stomata functions, they perfectly in helping remove the excess water in the plants through the openings. The gaseous exchange also takes place with the help of stomata, which ensures that all the required gases are available for the plant to boost its growth. Thus, if you have any doubts regarding any topics, or if you are struggling with any other subjects like Physics and Chemistry, then it would be a good idea for you to join the Online Interactive Classesoffered by the Tutoroot platform.