What is the difference between stomata and stoma and how many guard cells does each stomata has?
A “stoma” is singular, whereas “stomata” is plural. Each guard cell is surrounded by two guard cells which are specialized parenchyma cells. Imagine that the guard cells are like two longish, curved balloons tied together at each end. (Each guard cell is like one of these balloons). If the balloons are both filled with air, they curve away from each other, creating a hole in the middle (a stoma). However, if the two balloons are not filled with air, they are pressed tightly together. (Guard cells are pressed tightly together by the surrounding parenchyma cells). During the day, sunlight causes the chloroplasts within the guard cells to produce sugar. (Guard cells contain more chloroplasts than surrounding parenchyma cells). Sugar builds up within the guard cells. By osmosis, water is drawn into the guard cells from the surrounding parenchyma cells, causing the guard cells to swell and close the stomata. This prevents water loss from the leaf during the heat of the day. At night, the su
