Question

Explain the structure of stomata and two functions

Answer 1

Breathing to you is a very natural function that you usually do without even thinking about it. When you breathe, you are taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Taking in oxygen is very important because it allows your cells to do things, like make energy from the food you eat.

Plants 'breathe' too, but they do it through tiny openings in leaves called stomata(singular: stoma). Stomata open and close to allow the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen. It's very important that they do this because this is the very oxygen that we ourselves need to breathe!

Stoma of a plant

Function

The gas exchange that occurs when stomata are open facilitates photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into usable energy. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is taken in from the atmosphere through the stomata and oxygen is released as a waste product. Both photosynthesis and the gas exchange that powers it are essential to the plant's survival.

An unfortunate side effect of the stomata opening is that it allows for water loss. Unlike you and me, plants do not need to sweat to cool off and prefer to keep their water inside; however, because the gas exchange of photosynthesis is so vital, some water loss through stomata is necessary. This process of

Answer 2

Answer:

• Stomata are small pores present in the epidermis of leaves and are enclosed by two kidney-shaped cells called guard cells.

Function of stomata:

• Necessary for exchanging gases with the atmosphere during photosynthesis and respiration.
• Transpiration, i.e., loss of water takes place through them.