Stomata on a plant's surface ________.
a. Prevent oxygen from escaping.
b. Produce water as a result of photosynthesis.
c. Cannot be regulated by the plant.
d. Allow carbon dioxide uptake into leaves.
e. Are found in stacks called thylakoids.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of stomata: Stomata are small openings on the surface of plant leaves and stems that play a critical role in gas exchange. They allow the plant to take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) for photosynthesis and release oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct.
2. Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze each option to determine its accuracy. For example, stomata do not prevent oxygen from escaping (option a), nor do they produce water as a result of photosynthesis (option b).
3. Consider regulation: Stomata can be regulated by the plant to control water loss and gas exchange, so option c is incorrect.
4. Focus on carbon dioxide uptake: Stomata are primarily responsible for allowing carbon dioxide to enter the leaves, which is essential for photosynthesis. This aligns with option d.
5. Clarify thylakoids: Thylakoids are membrane-bound structures inside chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur. They are not related to stomata, so option e is incorrect.

Key Concepts

Stomata Function

Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that facilitate gas exchange. They allow carbon dioxide to enter the leaf for photosynthesis while enabling oxygen, a byproduct of this process, to exit. This regulation of gas exchange is crucial for plant respiration and overall health.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures sunlight.

Regulation of Stomata

Plants can regulate the opening and closing of stomata in response to environmental conditions, such as light intensity and humidity. This regulation helps to minimize water loss during dry conditions while ensuring adequate carbon dioxide intake for photosynthesis, demonstrating the plant's adaptive mechanisms.