Definition

• Stomata are found on the underside of the leaves of a plant and function as pores or portals from the atmosphere to the interior of the plant.
  
  

Significance

• Stomata are key to providing essential ingredients, including water and carbon dioxide, for photosynthesis to occur.
  
  

Function

• Stomata are the sites for the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen with the atmosphere and regulate how moisture leaves a plant based on environmental conditions and water levels within the plant.
  
  

Features

• The actual openings are flanked by two guard cells, the walls of which will open in the presence of water or become flaccid and close during arid conditions.
  
  

Benefits

• Stomata regulate the release of moisture from the plant so that during stressful, dry times, the plant will minimize water loss by either closing or opening at night during cooler conditions.