Plant Biology

Stomata

Microscopic pores on leaf surfaces that open and close to regulate gas exchange and water loss. The primary interface between a plant and the atmosphere.

Used in the Books

This term appears in 1 chapter:

Resource Dynamics Nutrient Networks

"...ism: transpiration pull (transpiration = water evaporating from leaves). Water evaporates from leaf surfaces through microscopic openings called stomata** (tiny pores in leaves, approximately 300 per square millimeter). Each stomata loses water molecules to the atmosphere."

Biological Context

Each stoma is flanked by two guard cells that control opening. When stomata open, CO2 enters for photosynthesis but water escapes via transpiration. Plants face a fundamental trade-off: open stomata enable growth but risk dehydration. Most plants have thousands of stomata per square centimeter of leaf.

Business Application

Organizational stomata: the controlled openings through which resources and information flow between inside and outside. Too open risks losing vital resources; too closed prevents necessary exchange.

Related Terms

Transpiration Photosynthesis

Tags

plantsanatomyregulation