stomate

English - English

Definition of stomate in English English dictionary

stoma

a minute epidermal pore in a leaf or stem through which gases and water vapor can pass

Water is continually being pumped upward through the plant in the xylem Once it reaches the leaves, it is transpired through pores called stomata Stomata also allow for the passage of carbon dioxide and oxygen in and out (respectively) of the plant The exchange of air and transpiration of water are regulated by the two cells (called guard cells) on either side of a stomate There are thousands of stomata on each square centimeter of a typical plant

A stoma

Covered with a surface of fine pores, such as breathing pores

Tiny pores in leaves that allow gaseous exchanges These are on the under sides of leaves and they are what let the plant breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen Isn't it nifty that we do just the opposite during our gaseous exchanges?

Hyphenation

sto·mate

Etymology

[ 'stO-"mAt ] (noun.) 1835. irregular from New Latin stomat-, stoma.