6.2.3

States of Stomata

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State of Stomata

The state of stomata (open or closed) achieves a balance between allowing gases for photosynthesis into the leaves, and conserving water in the plant.

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Abundant water

  • When water is abundant (lots available) the plant can afford to lose water.
  • So it opens the stomata to allow gases for photosynthesis to move freely in and out of the leaf.
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Scarce water

  • When water is scarce (rare), stomata close in order to prevent further water loss.
    • This is achieved by guard cells returning to a limp state after they lose water.
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Time of day

  • At night, stomata close because, in the absence of sunlight, carbon dioxide is not required for photosynthesis.
    • At this time, their only objective is to prevent water loss.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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