Question

Identify the following diagram, label it and prepare a chart of characteristics.

Answer 1

Structure of stomata:

1. Small gateways in the epidermal cells are called as stomata.
2. Stoma is controlled or guarded by specially modified cells called guard cells.
3. These guard cells may be kidney shaped (dicot) or dumbbell shaped (monocot), collectively called as stomata.
4. Guard cells have chloroplasts to carry out photosynthesis.
5. Change in turgor pressure of guard cells causes opening and closing of stomata, which enables exchange of gases and water vapour.
6. Stomata are further covered by subsidiary cells.
7. Stoma, guard cells and subsidiary cells form a unit called stomatal apparatus.