Yes, most flowering plants have stomata. Stomata are tiny pores found on the surface of leaves and other plant parts that regulate gas exchange (like carbon dioxide intake and oxygen release) and water loss. While many flowering plants possess functional stomata, the presence and functionality can vary depending on the plant's environment and type.
Stomata in Different Flowering Plants
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Terrestrial Flowering Plants: The majority of flowering plants on land possess stomata on their leaves, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis. These stomata open and close to regulate gas exchange and prevent excessive water loss. Source: Influence of environmental factors on stomatal development...
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Aquatic Flowering Plants: Some aquatic flowering plants have modified stomata, often located on the upper leaf surface and sometimes remaining permanently open. Source: Permanently open stomata of aquatic angiosperms display modified... Others may lack stomata altogether, adapting to water uptake directly from their surroundings instead of through pores. Source: Seagrass and Seagrass Beds | Smithsonian Ocean
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Specialized Flowering Plants: Even within terrestrial plants, adaptations occur. For example, succulents like cacti may have fewer stomata or modified stomata to reduce water loss in arid conditions. Source: Cacti / Desert Succulents - Arches National Park (U.S. National Park... The stomata of flowering plants can also have varying degrees of sensitivity to environmental cues. Source: Conditional stomatal closure in a fern shares molecular features with...
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Petals and Other Plant Parts: Interestingly, stomata can also be found on flower petals (sometimes non-functional), fruits, stamens, and gynoecia. [Reference: The variously colored petals of flowers often have stomata, sometimes nonfunctional. Fruits also can have stomata. Stomata are found on stamens and gynoecia.]
Stomata are essential for the gas exchange necessary for photosynthesis, a key process in flowering plants. Their presence and function demonstrate the remarkable adaptations of plants to various environments. The control of stomatal opening and closing is crucial for plant survival and efficient resource use. Source: Scientists discover mechanism plants use to control 'mouths' | NSF...
