Stoma

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/stoma

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Stoma (singular), Stomata (plural)
2. What is the structure?Pore surrounded by two specialized guard cells, often with subsidiary cells
3. What are stomata and why are they called tiny doors?Stomata are tiny pores on leaves that let gas in and out. They are flanked by guard cells that open and close like doors.
4. How do guard cells control the size of a stomatal opening?Guard cells change their water pressure by moving potassium ions in and out. This makes the opening bigger or smaller.

Stomatal Conductance: The measure of the rate at which gases diffuse through the stomata into or out of a leaf.
Transpiration Stream: The continuous flow of water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves, driven by transpiration.
CAM Plants: Plants that open stomata at night to fix carbon dioxide, minimizing water loss during hot days.