What is the Difference Between Stomata of Monocot and Dicot Plants?

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The main difference between stomata of monocot and dicot plants lies in the shape of the guard cells and the distribution of stomata on the leaves. Here are the key differences:

  • Guard Cell Shape: In dicot plants, the guard cells surrounding the stomata are kidney-bean shaped, while in monocot plants, they are dumbbell-shaped.
  • Stomata Distribution: Dicot leaves are hypostomatic, meaning stomata are present only on the lower surface of the leaf. In contrast, monocot leaves are amphistomatic, with stomata present on both the lower and upper surfaces of the leaf.

These differences in stomata distribution and guard cell shape have implications for water conservation and gas exchange in the plants. The presence of stomata on both surfaces of monocot leaves allows for more efficient gas exchange, while the lower surface location of stomata in dicot leaves helps conserve water by reducing transpiration.

Comparative Table: Stomata of Monocot vs Dicot Plants

Here is a table comparing the differences between stomata of monocot and dicot plants:

Feature Monocot Stomata Dicot Stomata
Shape Dumbbell-shaped Bean-shaped
Location Both upper and lower surfaces Lower surface
Distribution Amphistomatous Hypostomatous
Guard Cells Dumbbell-shaped Look like a pair of sausages

The main differences between stomata of monocot and dicot plants are:

  • Monocot leaves have dumbbell-shaped stomata present on both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf, while dicot leaves have bean-shaped stomata located on the lower surface of the leaf.

  • Monocot leaves are amphistomatous, meaning they have stomata on both the upper and lower surfaces, while dicot leaves are hypostomatous, meaning they have stomata only on the lower surface.

  • The guard cells in monocot leaves are dumbbell-shaped, while those in dicot leaves look like a pair of sausages.