Stomatal density between monocot and dicot

[lliu11]

why more stomata appears in dicot than monocot ?

 

[jim mcnamara]

Note: monocots have stomata on both sides of a leaf; dicots have stomata on only one side. Monocots have dumbell shaped guard cells; dicots have kidney shaped guard cells; so generally monocot stomata have a smaller area for air circulation.

This is a homework question - I gave what you need to know to formulate a hypothesis and be able to support it.

 

[Blueshift5]

Stomata are tiny openings on the surface of a plant's leaves that allow for gas exchange, specifically the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen. The density of stomata on a plant's leaves can vary between different plant species and even within the same species. In general, dicot plants tend to have a higher stomatal density compared to monocot plants.

This difference can be attributed to several factors. First, dicot plants typically have larger, broader leaves compared to monocots. This larger surface area allows for more stomata to be present on the leaves. Additionally, dicot plants tend to have a more complex and hierarchical vein structure, with smaller veins branching off from larger ones. This allows for a more efficient distribution of water and nutrients throughout the leaf, which in turn can support a higher density of stomata.

Another factor is the difference in leaf anatomy between monocots and dicots. Dicot leaves have a layer of cells called the palisade layer, which is responsible for photosynthesis. This layer is located closer to the upper surface of the leaf, where the majority of the sunlight is absorbed. In contrast, monocot leaves do not have a distinct palisade layer, and their photosynthetic cells are distributed throughout the leaf. This means that in dicot leaves, there is more room for stomata to be present on the lower surface of the leaf without interfering with photosynthesis.

Furthermore, the environmental conditions in which dicot and monocot plants typically grow can also play a role in stomatal density. Dicot plants are often found in more temperate climates with higher levels of humidity, while monocot plants tend to thrive in warmer and drier environments. In order to conserve water, monocot plants may have a lower stomatal density compared to dicot plants.

In conclusion, the higher stomatal density in dicot plants compared to monocot plants can be attributed to a combination of factors such as leaf size, anatomy, and environmental conditions. Each plant species has evolved to have an optimal stomatal density that allows for efficient gas exchange and adaptation to their specific environment.