Stomate (plural = stomates) (= stoma and stomata)

  • Title

    Stomate (plural = stomates) (= stoma and stomata)

  • Definition

    A small opening, usually in the abaxial surface of leaves, through which gases utilized and produced in photosynthesis pass into and out of the leaves.

  • Notes

    In neotropical Lecythidaceae, the arrangement of the subsidiary cells can be used to help circumscribe genera and to identify species to genus, e.g., most species of Gustavia have anomocytic or anisocytic subsidiary cells and many species of zygomorphic-flowered genera have paracytic (= brachyparacytic) subsidiary cells.

  • Related Terms

    Anomocytic stomata

    Anisocytic stomata

    Paracytic stomata

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