Final answer:
Guard cells regulate the opening and closing of stomata, which is crucial for gas exchange and controlling water loss in plants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The opening and closing of stomata are controlled by specialized cells known as guard cells. When guard cells swell or shrink due to changes in water pressure, they cause the stomata to open or close, respectively. This mechanism is vital for enabling the plant to take up carbon dioxide for photosynthesis while minimizing water loss through transpiration. Various environmental factors like light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and the internal water status of the leaf influence the turgor of guard cells.
Therefore, contrary to one of the possible choices, stomata are not always open. They must maintain a balance between allowing for photosynthesis and preventing excessive water loss. Plants have evolved complex signaling pathways to optimize this regulation in response to changing environmental conditions.