A stomata is a microscopic opening on the surface of a leaf, surrounded by a pair of guard cells. It plays an important role in the life of plants, as it allows them to exchange gases with the environment.
Conditions surrounding the plant, such as carbon dioxide concentration, air humidity and temperature, can vary greatly. Stomata allow the plant to regulate its size and the number of open stomata depending on these conditions. For example, in hot, dry weather, a plant may close its stomata to reduce water loss, whereas in cool, humid weather, it may open more stomata for more efficient gas exchange.
In addition, stomata can also serve as an entry point for pests such as insects and pathogens that can cause damage to the plant. Therefore, plants must balance the need for gas exchange with the risk of infection.
Stomata can have different shapes and sizes depending on the type of plant. Some plants have stomata only on the underside of the leaf, while others have stomata on both sides. Stomata can also have different shapes, for example they can be round, oval or star-shaped.
In conclusion, stomata are an important element of plant life that allows them to regulate gas exchange with the environment. They are microscopic holes on the surface of the leaf, surrounded by guard cells, and can have different shapes and sizes depending on the plant species.