Investigating Into the Possible Existence of Distribution of Stomata Within Different Leaf Types

Investigating Into the Possible Existence of Distribution of Stomata Within Different Leaf Types

The aim of my particular experiment was to investigate into the

possible existence of distribution of stomata within different leaf

types. My investigation also requires me to research into the rate of

transpiration into the different leaf types and if this has an effect

of the distribution of stomata on the leaves surface.

Prediction

I predict that the environment of which I found my particular leaf

type had an effect on the stomata distribution in my particular leaf

type. From the background knowledge I predict that those plants grown

in a dryer environment and thus must adapt to such climate and within

this situation they will have less stomata on there leaves thus giving

less transpiration from the leaves. The leaves that I obtained from a

dryer environment may have up to less than 150 stomata per 2mm of

leave surface where those in a moist living area have more than 500

stomata per 2 mm.

My prediction also includes that most of the stomata will be found on

the lower epidermis of a leaf. I have based this prediction on the

function of stomata; to let gases in and out of the leaf i.e. to allow

exchange of CO2 and O2 between the inside of the leaf and the

surrounding atmosphere and to allow the escape of water vapour from

the leaf.

To reduce water loss the leaf has a waxy cuticle on the upper

epidermis, which is waterproof, so the leaf uses the lower epidermis

for gas exchange. With such a prediction I would need to carry out the

background research on each particular leaf type chosen to research.

Background Knowledge

Dermal tissue is a kind of complex tissue consisting both of flattened

cells covering the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf and of

specialized cells calledguard cells. Guard cells regulate gas exchange

between the environment and the interior of the leaf by controlling

the size of the stomata, openings through which gas exchange takes