Stomata ________

Question

Stomata ________.
A)occur in all land plants and define them as a monophyletic group
B)open to allow gas exchange and close to decrease water loss
C)occur in all land plants and are the same as pores
D)open to increase both water absorption and gas exchange

Accepted Answer

Stomata are specialized pores in the plant epidermis that regulate gas exchange and transpiration. They are present in all land plants, but their structure and function may vary slightly among different plant groups. Stomata typically open during the day when photosynthesis is occurring and close at night or during times of water stress to conserve water. Therefore, option B is the correct choice as it describes the function of stomata accurately. Options A and C are incorrect because while stomata are present in all land plants, they do not define them as a monophyletic group, and they are not the same as pores. Option D is also incorrect because stomata do not open to increase water absorption but rather close to conserve water.