The stomata are the pores through which gas exchange takes place.The two guard cells surrounding each stoma contain cholorophyll (unlike the other cells in the epidermis); it is the guard cells that control the size of the stomata.
A "cast" can be taken from the surface of leaves using nail varnish. When the nail varnish is peeled off it can be put under the microscope.
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| Nail varnish cast of leaf epidermis from a dicotyledon (top) and monocotyledon (bottom) |
The following images are of prepared epidermal tissue on a microscope slide, the blue colour is due to the dye used to make structures stand out more clearly.
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| Prepared slide: leaf epidermis, dicotyledon (top), monocotyledon (bottom) |
Commelina leaves are ideal for observing stomata as their epidermis peels very easily. The following image is one I took from a leaf of a plant I grew from seed. The chloroplasts are clearly visible in the guard cells.
Totally fascinating, Anne. And to think you live this day in and out like it's old hat!
ReplyDeleteBut .... I don't take it for granted, I just find it fascinating. I ran a workshop during the Science festival some years ago at Edinburgh Botanic gardens where I used the nail varnish peel technique, it was just stunning seeing the results, and people's reactions.
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