Question

______ are minute pores on the surface of leaves.

Answer 1

Respiration and evaporation in plants:

1. Stomata are tiny pores or openings present on the surface of the leaf that regulate the exchange of gases like CO₂ and O₂ during respiration.
2. They also control the rate of evaporation of water in the plants.
3. Their opening and closing is controlled by specialized kidney shaped guard cells that surround the stomata.
4. During daytime, in the presence of light, the stomatal pore opens by taking in water by the process of osmosis and increases the turgidity of the cell.
5. During night time, in the absence of light, the stomatal pores close as they lose water and decrease the turgidity of the cell.

Final answer: Stomata are minute pores on the surface of leaves.