What is Stomata?
[[Image:Stomata Pengo.jpg|thumb|Stoma of a [[leaf]] under a [[microscope]]]] [[File:Plant stoma guard cells.png|thumb|Plant stoma guard cells. The [[chloroplast]]s look red in this picture]] In [[botany]], a '''stoma''' ([[plural]] = ''stomata'') is a tiny opening or [[pore]]. It is found on plant leaves and stems, and any other green parts of the plant. It is used for [[gas]] exchange. Stomata are mostly found on the ''under-surface'' of [[plant]] [[leaf|leaves]].<ref>Swarthout, Debbie and Hogan, C. Michael 2010. Stomata. ''Encyclopedia of Earth''. National Council for Science and the Environment, Washington DC. [http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/156262/]</ref> all plants have stomata. Stomata have two main functions. First is gaseous exchange i.e. intake of [[carbon dioxide]] and release of [[oxygen]]. The second is the process of [[transpiration]] in plants. Air enters the plant through these openings. The [[carbon dioxide]] is used in [[photosynthesis]], which also produces [[oxygen]]. The plant uses some of the oxygen but the rest is [[waste]] that exits through these same openings. Also, [[water vapor]] goes into the atmosphere through these pores in [[transpiration]]. The pore is formed by a pair of cells known as '''guard cells'''. These adjust the size of the opening by opening or closing. To open a guard cell, [[proton]]s ([[hydrogen]] ions, H<sup>+</sup>) are pumped into the guard cells. Water enters into them, the cells gets filled, and they open. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:Plant anatomy]] [[Category:Cells]] [[Category:Plant physiology]]