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Stomata Processes
Subject: Science - Class 8
Main Ideas:
Stomata: Opening and
Closing
Text Evidence: “Increased
concentration of K... [causes]
sufficient osmotic pressure to
absorb water from surrounding
cells...[furthermore] increase
turgor pressure of guard
cells…[leads] to the opening of
stomatal pores”(“Byjus:
Potassium Pump Theory” 1).
Text Evidence: The opening and
closing of stomata depend on
the turgor pressure...by the
osmotic flow of water in the
guard cells...guard cells are
turgid; they expand resulting
in the opening of stomata...the
guard cells lose water...
flaccid leading to stomatal
closure” (“Byjus:
Stomata”2).
What Are Stomata?
What Surface Are
Stomata Located?
Summary:
Small Openings found mainly on the lower surface of leaves, stomata are responsible for gas
exchange of CO2, O2, and water vapor in plants. When the vacuole is full due to increased gas
exchange, the guard cells become rigid and the stoma opens; as the vacuole loses water, the guard
cells become flaccid and the stoma closes.
07 / 07 / 2023
Notes
❖ The opening and closing of stomata are controlled by the
movement of ions and water across the guard cells.
o When stomata open, the guard cells actively accumulate
potassium ions (K+) and water enters the cells by osmosis,
causing them to swell and the stomatal pore to open.
o Conversely, when stomata close, potassium ions are actively
transported out of the guard cells, leading to a loss of
water and the shrinking of the cells, resulting in pore
closure.
❖ The opening and closing of stomata are regulated by various factors,
including light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, humidity, and
the plant's water status.
o When the plant has sufficient water and favorable
conditions, stomata open to allow gas exchange and
facilitate photosynthesis.
o Contrarily, in conditions of water scarcity or high
temperatures, stomata close to reduce water loss through
transpiration.
❖ Stomata are small openings or pores found on the surface of leaves,
stems, and other plant organs. They are primarily responsible for
gas exchange in plants, allowing for the exchange of gases such as
oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor with the surrounding
environment.
o Each stoma consists of two specialized cells called guard
cells that surround a central pore. The guard cells can
change shape to open or close the stomatal pore.
❖ Stomata are more abundant on the lower surface of leaves in most
plant species. This arrangement helps reduce water loss through
transpiration by minimizing exposure to air currents and direct
sunlight.
o Stomatal closure occurs in response to water scarcity, high
temperatures, or elevated levels of the hormone abscisic
acid (ABA), which signals the efflux of potassium and
chloride ions, leading to water loss and pore closure.