Anatomy of stoma

Leaves may have 1,000-60,000 pores per square centimeter. When open, stomata are 10–40 µm in length and 3–12 µm in width. Different parts of stomata are-
1. Stomata pore: There is a special type of pore in the center of the stomata. This is called stomatal pore. Different types of gaseous substances are exchanged through it.
2. Guard cells: Stomata are covered by two crescent-shaped cells. It is called Rakshikosh. Each guard cell contains cytoplasm, chloroplasts, mitochondria, cytoplasm and a large nucleus. The guard cell has two walls. Outer wall and inner wall. The inner wall is thick and inelastic. But the outer wall is thin, semipermeable and elastic. Guard cells are covered by 2-4 epidermal cells. It controls the opening and closing of stomata.
3. Supporting cells: There are some special types of parenchyma cells surrounding the stoma. These are called accessory cells. Each stomata with accessory cells is called a stomatal complex. Some plants do not have accessory cells. Like- Pumpkin, Cucumber, Orchid etc.
4. Air chamber : There is a large air-filled cavity below the stomata. It is called substomatal cavity. This chamber is also known as air cavity or respiratory cavity.
The leaf pores are hidden deep in the skin. This is called hidden or submerged stomata. The stomata are open during the day and closed at night. However, the stomata of Patharkuchi plants are closed during the day and open during the night. The plant’s stomata are fully open from 10-11 am and 1-3 pm.

Stoma types

(i) Diacytic : It is surrounded by two subsidiary cells and the cells are at right angles to the two guard cells. Plants like Chirata, Kalsi etc. have diacytic stomata.
(ii) Paracytic : It is surrounded by two subsidiary cells and the cells lie parallel to the two guard cells. Dye plants have paracytic stomata.
(iii) Anisocytic : It is surrounded by three subsidiary cells and one of them is small. Plants like mustard, tobacco, brinjal etc. have anisocytic stomata.
(iv) Tratacytic: It is surrounded by four subsidiary cells.
(v) Actinocytic: It is surrounded by many elongated cells. Plants in the family Ebenaceae have actinocytic stomata.
(vi) Anomocytic : The cells surrounding the stomata are associated with normal cells. Plants such as Nayantara and Cucurbita have anomocytic stomata.
(vii) Gramineous : The stomata are covered by two guard cells and two accessory cells. Plants like paddy, wheat, sugarcane, bhutra, grass etc. have gramineous stomata.

Stomata definition

A pore or pore surrounded by two crescent-shaped guard cells located in the leaves and young green stems of plants is called stomata. The lower skin of the opposite-sided leaves and the two skins of the equilateral leaves have stomata. The aerial parts of plants such as leaves, shoots, petals, fruits etc. have stomata. Below each stomata is a large stomata or stomata. Guard cells contain chlorophyll and participate in photosynthesis.

Functions of Trichomes

(i) Glandular hairs present on stems and leaves reduce plant sensation and light intensity.
(ii) Glandular hairs protect the plant from insect attack.
(iii) The hairs of the pistil of the flower help in the pollination of the plant by receiving the pollen.
(iv) Hair present on fruit and seed skin helps in spreading.
(v) Glandular rhombs of insectivorous plants secrete enzymes which aid in digestion of insect bodies.
(vi) Plants absorb water and mineral salts from soil by rhizomes.
(vii) Stem hairs protect the plant from external injury by secreting glue, mucilage and toxins.