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What are Stomata Give two Functions of Stomata

Answer: A stoma or stomata is a pore that regulates plant efficiency of gas exchange inside the leaf epidermis, stem, as well as other tissues. The pair of specialised parenchymatous cells called cell walls surround the pore and are capable of controlling the size of a stomatal opening.

The phrase is commonly used for the complete stomatal complex, which includes the pair cells as well as the pores (also known as the stomatal). Gas diffusion allows air to move via stomata, which transport oxygen for breathing and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. In a procedure termed evaporation, liquid water disperses into the air through stomata.

The two main functions of stomata are given below:

  • Maintaining water concentration in leaves: The stomata in the leaves are responsible for maintaining the water concentration in the leaves. Water vapour fills the air gaps inside the leaf and they escape via the stomata through a process called transpiration. It is important to maintain the perfect concentration of water in the leaves to function properly. This is the reason stomata are present on the lower side of leaves. It reduces excess loss of water from the leaves
  • Gaseous exchange: The stomata are responsible for gaseous exchange in plants. They control the opening and closing of the pores to take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during photosynthesis. Photosynthesis usually occurs during the day in the presence of sunlight. It is during this time when the rate of diffusion of carbon dioxide into the leaf and oxygen and water vapour out of the leaf is maximum.