what would happen to a stomata when the epidermal tissue is placed in concentrated salt solution
When the epidermal tissue is placed in a concentrated salt solution, the stomata would likely close. Stomata are small pores present on the surface of leaves and stems, surrounded by two specialized epidermal cells called guard cells. The opening and closing of stomata are regulated by the turgidity (water content) of the guard cells.
In a normal situation, when the plant has sufficient water, the guard cells become turgid and the stomata open, allowing for gas exchange and transpiration. However, when the epidermal tissue is placed in a concentrated salt solution, the water potential (concentration of water) outside the leaf becomes much lower than inside the leaf. This creates a gradient where water from the leaf tissue moves towards the higher concentration outside, causing water loss from the plant. As a result, the guard cells become flaccid (lose water) and the stomata close to minimize water loss through transpiration.
Closing the stomata helps the plant to conserve water and prevent dehydration. It is an adaptive response to unfavorable conditions like salt stress.
When the epidermal tissue of a plant, which contains stomata, is placed in a concentrated salt solution, several things can happen:
1. Initially, the salt solution will create a hypertonic environment around the stomata, resulting in water moving out of the plant cells through osmosis.
2. As water leaves the plant cells, the surrounding cells and tissues will shrink, including the guard cells that border the stomata.
3. The shrinking of the guard cells will cause the stomata to close tightly, as they normally do in response to water loss or stress.
4. Closed stomata prevent further water loss, as well as the entry of carbon dioxide, which is required for photosynthesis.
5. As a result, the closure of stomata can reduce the uptake of carbon dioxide and limit the plant's ability to photosynthesize efficiently.
6. Additionally, closed stomata can also limit the release of oxygen and the removal of excess water vapor, leading to a buildup of internal gases and potential water stress for the plant.
It's important to note that the extent of these effects would depend on factors such as the concentration and duration of the salt solution exposure, as well as the specific plant species.