The large surface area of leaves compared to their volume enhances the absorption of light for photosynthesis, but it also aids the absorption of CO2 during photosynthesis as well as the release of O2 as a by-product of photosynthesis.... more
The large surface area of leaves compared to their volume enhances the absorption of light for photosynthesis, but it also aids the absorption of CO2 during photosynthesis as well as the release of O2 as a by-product of photosynthesis. The problem with the larger leaf surface area is that it allows more evaporation and a greater need for water, and the stomata, through the opening and closing of their pores, control the rate of water evaporation. If the air is hot and dry, plants close their stomata as they try to keep water from too much evaporating. This study investigates why certain plants do better in certain environments. By comparing the stomata density of the mystery plants and the known existing traits of C3, C4 and CAM plants, the aim is to be able to distinguish plant species based on the number of the stomata on the adaxial (top) and abaxial (bottom) side of the leaf.
