 Stomata are microscopic holes in a plant leaf  These holes are located on the underside of the leaf

The stomata are the openings

 Stomata allow gases such as CO2 and oxygen to enter and leave the plant  Additionally, these structures regulate the movement of water in and out of the leaf

 Plants need to take in CO2 for the process of photosynthesis  Additionally, plants need to regulate water loss  Plants that do not keep enough water in their cells wilt and die

 Guard cells are the cells located around the stoma of the plant leaves

The guard cells are the two flaps that surround the stoma

 Guard cells regulate the opening and closing of the stomata

 Guard cells help control how much CO2 and water will enter the leaf  These are both key ingredients for photosynthesis to occur  They also allow oxygen to exit  Lastly, the guard cells help maintain water homeostasis  Guard cells will close when water is limited

 Explain the phenomenon occurring below. Need a hint? Think about these questions What is each picture illustrating? What is different about each picture? What’s similar? What could explain the difference that you see?