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The breathing secrets of plants: Why are stomata called "the mouths of plants"
In nature, the breathing process of plants is very different from that of humans, but equally essential. Plants rely on specialized structures called stomata for gas exchange. These tiny holes are essential for plant survival and growth, allowing plants to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Why are stomata jokingly called "the mouths of plants"? Today, we’re going to take a deeper look at this incredible biological process.
Structure and function of pores
Stomata are holes in the plant epidermis, usually located on the surface of leaves and stems. Each stoma is surrounded by two special guard cells, which can open and close to adjust the size of the stoma, thereby controlling the flow of gases in and out. This process is particularly important for plants to perform during photosynthesis and respiration.
The function of stomata is to allow oxygen from the air to enter the interior of the leaf and to release the synthesized carbon dioxide.
How pores work
During the day, the stomata are normally open. This is because under high light intensity conditions, water inside guard cells will enter the cells through a process called "osmosis", increasing the cell's turgor pressure. In this state, not only can carbon dioxide enter the leaves for photosynthesis, but water vapor is also expelled, a process called transpiration. Through these two processes, plants can absorb the required carbon dioxide and control water loss.
Plant respiration is closely related to water balance, which makes the opening and closing of stomata critical to survival.
Environmental Adaptation and Stomatal Behavior
The number, size and distribution of stomata vary among plant species. Generally speaking, the stomata of dicots are mostly located on the lower epidermis of the leaves, while monocots such as onions and corn have the same number of stomata on the upper and lower epidermis. Furthermore, stomata of floating leaves may be present only on the upper epidermis, whereas submerged leaves may lack stomata altogether. This variation allows the plant to efficiently absorb carbon dioxide and retain water under different environmental conditions.
The relationship between stomata and climate change
As climate change intensifies, the behavior of stomata may change as well. Studies have shown that many plants are highly sensitive to changes in light and carbon dioxide levels. For example, when faced with high carbon dioxide concentrations, plants reduce the number of stomata to protect themselves from excessive water loss. This adaptation also reduces plant transpiration, helping to conserve precious water.
Faced with climate change, the survival strategies of plants are bound to change, and the response of stomata is an important part of it.
The development of pores
It is not as if stomata have always existed in plants; their evolution can be traced back to the early stages of plant evolutionary history. According to the study, stomata may have been derived from the algal ancestors of plants, and they appeared at a time when plants successfully entered land and opened up a completely new ecosystem. This process marks that the ability of plants to use stomata has become key to their survival advantage.
How to protect your stomata from harmful germs
Although stomata are channels for plants to obtain carbon dioxide, they also become a pathway for pathogens to invade. Studies have found that plants can sense the presence of pathogens and respond accordingly. When a plant is infected by a pathogen, the stomata immediately close to prevent more pathogens from entering. This self-protection mechanism is important for the survival of plants.
Future Challenges and Possible Solutions
As global climate change intensifies, plants are facing unprecedented challenges. Climate change affects the behavior of stomata, which in turn alters plant growth and development. How to optimize the function of stomata to adapt to the ever-changing environment will become an important direction in future plant science research.
In this breathing secret of plants, we see that stomata, as the "mouths of plants", play an irreplaceable role in the survival of plants. How does this process affect the entire ecosystem?
