GUARD CELL Meaning and
Definition
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Guard cells are specialized cells that are found in the epidermis layer of plant leaves, stems, and other organs. They are crucial components of the stomata, the tiny openings present on the surface of leaves and stems that control gas exchange and water vapor loss in plants. The primary function of guard cells is to regulate the opening and closing of stomata to balance the plant's respiratory needs with the conservation of water.
Guard cells are usually bean-shaped or dumbbell-shaped, with a pair of cells surrounding a pore-like opening called the stomatal pore. They are equipped with two structurally distinct ends, known as the ends that are faced apart and those that face each other. These specialized ends contain various cellular components, including chloroplasts, nucleus, and mitochondria, which are responsible for the guard cells' functional properties.
When guard cells absorb water, they swell and subsequently cause the stomatal pore to open. This process is facilitated by the accumulation of potassium ions within the guard cells, which leads to an increase in turgor pressure, resulting in the opening of the stomatal pore. Conversely, when guard cells lose water, they become flaccid, causing the pore to close. This closure is due to the loss of turgor pressure induced by the movement of potassium ions out of the guard cells.
The coordinated opening and closing of guard cells play a critical role in controlling factors such as transpiration, gas exchange, and overall water balance in plants. They respond to various environmental factors, including light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, and the plant's water status. Ultimately, the regulation of stomatal movements by guard cells helps plants maintain their optimum growth and survival under various environmental conditions.
Common Misspellings for GUARD CELL
- fuard cell
- vuard cell
- buard cell
- huard cell
- yuard cell
- tuard cell
- gyard cell
- ghard cell
- gjard cell
- giard cell
- g8ard cell
- g7ard cell
- guzrd cell
- gusrd cell
- guwrd cell
- guqrd cell
- guaed cell
- guadd cell
- guafd cell
- guatd cell
Etymology of GUARD CELL
The word "guard cell" has its etymology rooted in Latin and English.
The term "guard" comes from the Latin word "guardare", meaning "to watch or to protect". The Latin word was then adopted in Old French as "garder" and later borrowed into Middle English.
The word "cell" comes from the Latin word "cella", which means "small room". It was used to refer to small compartments or chambers, and later extended its meaning to include biological cells.
Therefore, "guard cell" combines the Latin origin of "guard" and the English origin of "cell" to describe the specialized cells found in the epidermis of plant leaves that regulate the opening and closing of stomata, controlling gas exchange and water loss in plants.
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