Question

What are the stimuli that control the opening and closing of stomata?

Short answer

Stomata are the structure that is found in plants. The stimuli such as light and carbon dioxide concentration control the opening of stomata, while drought, high temperature, and wind trigger it to close.

Step-by-step solution

Stomata

The minute openings found in the plant's organs, such as leaves and stems, are called stomata. They are surrounded by pair of guard cells. The cells that form stomata are epidermal cells and subsidiary cells. There is a structure called a stomatal pore that is found at the center of the stomata.

Functions of stomata

In plants, stomata play many vital functions. They help in photosynthesis (formation of glucose by light energy), transpiration (loss of water), and the exchange of gases (carbon dioxide and water) in plants.

Environmental stimuli such as light, high-temperature control opening, and closing of stomata. Thus, environmental stimuli control the systematic functioning of the stomata in the plants.

Stimuli that control opening and closing of stomata

Environmental and endogenous stimuli control the cellular response of stomata. Some of them are light, humidity, and plant hormones. At dawn, the stomatal opening is triggered by light to enhance carbon dioxide uptake from the environment.

During stress conditions such as drought and high temperature, guard cells shrink and close the stomatal spore. The generation of stress hormone in plants, i.e., abscisic acid, stimulates guard cells to close stomata.