Practicing Success
Which among the following cells perform the function of opening and closing of stomatal pores ? |
Sclerenchymatous cells Lenticels Guard cells None of these |
Guard cells |
The correct answer is Option (3) –Guard cells Stomata are tiny pores present on the surface of the leaves. Massive amounts of gaseous exchange takes place in the leaves through these pores for the purpose of photosynthesis. Since large amounts of water can also be lost through these stomata, the plant closes these pores when it does not need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. The opening and closing of the pore is a function of the guard cells. The guard cells swell when water flows into them, causing the stomatal pore to open. Similarly the pore closes if the guard cells shrink. |