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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Stroma and Stoma?

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The main difference between stroma and stoma lies in their structure and function in plants:

  • Stoma: A stoma (plural: stomata) is a very small microscopic pore present on the surface of a leaf or stem, enclosed by a pair of guard cells. Its main function is to facilitate gaseous exchange, such as the release of oxygen and the intake of carbon dioxide. Stomata can open and close due to changes in water pressure, allowing for gas exchange while preventing excessive water loss.
  • Stroma: Stroma refers to the fluid-filled inner space of chloroplasts, which are organelles in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis. The stroma is the site of the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis, such as the Calvin cycle, and it contains soluble enzymes, particularly those involved in the Calvin cycle.

In summary, stomata are tiny openings on plant leaves and stems that enable gas exchange, while the stroma is the fluid-filled inner space of chloroplasts where the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis take place.

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  • What is the Difference Between Stroma and Stoma?
  • Comparative Table: Stroma vs Stoma

    • Comparative Table: Stroma vs Stoma

    Stroma and stoma are two distinct terms related to plant biology. Here is a table highlighting their differences:

    Feature Stroma Stoma
    Definition The stroma is the gel-like fluid inside the chloroplast, containing soluble enzymes, particularly those involved in the Calvin cycle. A stoma is a microscopic pore surrounded by two specialized guard cells found in the leaves and stems of plants.
    Function The stroma is the site of the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis, such as the Calvin cycle. The main function of a stoma is gaseous exchange, allowing carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit the plant.
    Location The stroma is found inside the chloroplast, which is a green-colored double-membranous cell organelle meant for photosynthesis. Stomas are found in the leaves and stems of plants, surrounded by guard cells.
    Structure The stroma has a gel-like structure and contains soluble enzymes. Stomas are microscopic pores, often surrounded by kidney-shaped or bean seed-shaped guard cells.

    In summary, the stroma is the gel-like fluid inside the chloroplast where the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis occur, while a stoma is a microscopic pore in the leaves and stems of plants that facilitates gaseous exchange.

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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.