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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Stomata and Guard Cells?

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Stomata and guard cells are essential components of plant tissues that facilitate gas exchange and transpiration. The key differences between them are:

  • Structure: Stomata are pores in the plant epidermis, while guard cells are the parenchyma cells that surround and regulate the opening and closing of stomata.
  • Function: Stomata function as gateways linking intercellular gas spaces to the external environment. Guard cells, on the other hand, regulate the size of the stomatal pore by changing their shape and size in response to changes in turgor pressure.
  • Location: Stomata are found mostly in the lower epidermis of plants' leaves, while guard cells are located in the epidermis of leaves, stems, and other plant organs.

In summary, stomata are pores that allow gas exchange, and guard cells are specialized cells that regulate the opening and closing of stomata by changing their shape and size in response to changes in their turgor pressure. Both stomata and guard cells work together to facilitate the gas exchange required for essential plant processes like photosynthesis and respiration.

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  • What is the Difference Between Stomata and Guard Cells?
  • Comparative Table: Stomata vs Guard Cells

    • Comparative Table: Stomata vs Guard Cells

    The main difference between stomata and guard cells is that stomata are pores, while guard cells are the parenchyma cells that surround and regulate the opening and closing of stomata. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

    Feature Stomata Guard Cells
    Definition Stomata are pores located on the stems and leaves of plants. Guard cells are parenchyma cells that surround and regulate stomata.
    Function Stomata facilitate gas exchange and transpiration in plants. Guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata, which in turn regulates gas exchange and transpiration.
    Location Stomata are mainly found in the lower epidermis of plant leaves. Guard cells are located around stomata, usually in an epidermal layer.
    Shape Stomata are small pores with a pore size ranging from 0.01 to 0.03 cm². Guard cells are sausage-shaped and have an inner wall thicker than the outer wall. When filled with water and turgid, the outer wall bulges outward, drawing the inner wall with it and causing the stomate to open.
    Response to Stimuli Stomata can open in response to light, oxygen, and water in guard cells, and close in response to temperature and COâ‚‚ concentration. Shrinking of guard cells results in the opening of the stomatal pore, while swelling of guard cells results in the closing of the stomatal pore.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.