Question

If it is possible to drop a small particle through the stomata of a leaf, what will you conclude?
A. It will fall on the earth surface.
B. It will stop on lower epidermis.
C. It will stop on mesophyll cells.
D. It will stop on vascular tissue.

Answer 1

Hint: Stomata are referred to as tiny openings/pores in plant tissue which allow for gas exchange. They are typically found in plant leaves and can also be found in some stems. Specialized cells called guard cells surround the stomata and work to open and close stomatal pores.

Complete answer:
You should know, in botany, a stoma, also known as stomata - is a pore, found in the epidermis of leaves, stems, and other organs, that controls the rate of gas exchange. The pore is surrounded by a pair of specialized parenchyma cells called guard cells that regulate the size of the stomatal opening.
The main role of the mesophyll cells is photosynthesis. Mesophyll cells can be understood as large spaces within the leaf that allow carbon dioxide to move freely.
In dicot leaves- there are two types of mesophyll cells,
1. palisade mesophyll and
2. spongy mesophyll.
Remember, Palisade mesophyll cells makes a layer beneath the upper epidermis whereas on the other hand, the spongy mesophyll cells are internal to the lower epidermis
Now let’s recap, transpiration is a process in which there is loss of water in vapour form through stomata. Stomata are referred to as minute pores which are present on leaf epidermis. Stomata number increases on the lower surface. Stomata can be understood as a link between the inner leaf mesophyll environment with the atmosphere. Remember, that stomatal pore opens into the intercellular spaces of leaf mesophyll spongy parenchyma. Hence, if we drop a small particle inside the leaf from the stomata then, it will stop on mesophyll cells.

Therefore, our correct answer is option C.

Additional information:
To reduce the loss of water the leaf is coated with a waxy cuticle to stop or reduce the water vapour escaping through the epidermis. Keep in mind, leaves usually have a smaller number of stomata on their top surface to reduce this water loss.

Note:
Remember, the palisade layer helps in the process of photosynthesis. You should know, the palisade cells are the site of photosynthesis, whereas the air pockets in the spongy layer helps to exchange gases like carbon dioxide which is required for photosynthesis.