2002 AIPMT Transport in PlantsOpening and Closing of Stomata Easy Question 2 of 3 in Opening and Closing of Stomata

Opening and closing of stomata is due to the : -

A Hormonal change in guard cells
B Change in turgor pressure of guard cells
C Gaseous exchange
D Respiration

The answer is B.

Solution

Each stoma is surrounded by two guard cells.
When water enters the guard cells (after $K^+$ ions move in), they become turgid. Because their inner walls are thick and inelastic and the cellulose microfibrils are arranged radially, they bend outward and the stoma opens.
When the guard cells lose water and become flaccid, the stoma closes.
So the opening and closing of stomata is due to the change in turgor pressure of the guard cells.

Concept Turgor changes in guard cells

Opening and Closing of Stomata in past papers

3 questions from this chapter have appeared across 3 exam years.