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lab4 final

The document outlines an experiment focused on examining stomata in plant leaves, detailing their role in gas exchange and water-use efficiency. It describes methods for observing stomata using fresh leaf samples and leaf imprints, along with the necessary materials and procedures. Additionally, it addresses questions regarding the diffusion rates of gases through stomata, the role of guard cells in regulating stomatal movement, and potential engineering applications inspired by these mechanisms.

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Kunwar Aryan Singh
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6 views

lab4 final

The document outlines an experiment focused on examining stomata in plant leaves, detailing their role in gas exchange and water-use efficiency. It describes methods for observing stomata using fresh leaf samples and leaf imprints, along with the necessary materials and procedures. Additionally, it addresses questions regarding the diffusion rates of gases through stomata, the role of guard cells in regulating stomatal movement, and potential engineering applications inspired by these mechanisms.

Uploaded by

Kunwar Aryan Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2023UCE0054

Kunwar Aryan Singh

Visualization of Stomata in Leaves


Objective:
The goal of this experiment is to examine stomata present in plant leaves.

Background:
Stomata are small openings located on plant leaves, facilitating gas exchange—such
as carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water vapor. These pores play a vital role in two
major physiological functions: photosynthesis and transpiration. The opening and
closing of stomata are regulated by changes in the pressure inside the guard cells,
which influences how gases flow and affects the plant's growth and development.
Studying stomatal conductance, which refers to the movement of carbon dioxide and
water vapor, is important in understanding how plants balance carbon fixation with
water loss, termed water-use efficiency.

Method:
Various techniques can be used to observe stomata, which include methods involving
both fresh leaf samples and leaf imprints. This lab will employ both methods.

Plant Systems:
The leaves from potted plants will be used. While any plant will suffice, species like
Balsam are preferable due to the ease with which their epidermal peels can be
removed.

Materials Required:
Forceps (Tweezers), Watch glass, Glass slides, Cover slips, Safranin dye, Transparent
nail polish.

Procedure:
Fresh Leaf Method:
1. Select a healthy leaf from a potted plant (monocot and dicot plants will be
provided). Monocot leaves exhibit parallel veins, whereas dicot leaves display
reticulated veins.
2. Gently fold the leaf to separate a section of the epidermis from both the upper
and lower surfaces using forceps. Place the peel in a watch glass filled with
water.
3. Add a few drops of Safranin dye to the peel.
4. After 2-3 minutes, place the peel on a glass slide.
5. Add a drop of glycerine to the peel, then carefully cover it with a coverslip
using a needle.
6. Use blotting paper to remove any excess dye or glycerine.
7. Observe the slide under both low and high magnifications of a
compound microscope.
Imprint Method:
1. Choose a healthy leaf from the potted plant (monocot and dicot options will be
provided).
2. Gently dry the leaf surface using blotting paper.
3. Apply a thick coat of clear nail polish to both the upper and lower sides of the
dicot leaf and only the lower side of the monocot leaf.
4. Allow the nail polish to dry completely.
5. Once dry, peel the nail polish layer off using forceps and place the peeled
section on a glass slide, facing upwards. Do not stain this peel, and place a
coverslip on top.
6. The slide is ready for observation under a microscope.

Observation:
Using a microscope, stomata on both the upper and lower surfaces of monocot and
dicot leaves will be visible

• Monocot Leaf (Imprint Method):


Upper Monocot. Lower Monocot(10X)
Dicot Leaf (Imprint Method):

Lower Dicot (40X)

Lower Dicot (10X) Upper Dicot(40X)

Questions:
Q1. What are the relative diffusive resistances for carbon
dioxide and water vapor through stomata?
A1. The diffusion rates for carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor (H₂O) differ due to
their molecular properties. The larger molecular weight of CO₂ (44 g/mol) compared
to water vapor (18 g/mol) means that CO₂ diffuses more slowly through stomata.
The resistance to CO₂ diffusion is approximately 1.6 times higher than for water
vapor, as the diffusion coefficient for CO₂ is lower.

Q2. How do guard cells control the opening and closing of


stomata through hydrostatic pressure?
A2. The turgor pressure in guard cells, driven by water movement due to changes in
solute concentrations, controls stomatal aperture. When environmental cues such as
light trigger stomatal opening, ions like potassium (K⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻)
accumulate in guard cells, increasing solute concentration. Water follows by
osmosis, causing the cells to swell, which opens the stomatal pore. To close the
stomata, these ions are pumped out, causing water to leave and the cells to shrink,
closing the pore.

Q3. How can the mechanics of stomatal movement inspire real-


world engineering solutions?
A3. Insights from stomatal movement can inspire innovations in areas like water
management, microfluidics, and energy-efficient ventilation. By mimicking
stomatal regulation, engineers could design systems that dynamically control water
or gas flow, like water-saving irrigation or microfluidic devices that adjust fluid
pressure in real-time.

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