Final answer:
Stomata are openings in the leaves of terrestrial plants that allow for the uptake of carbon dioxide. They are surrounded by guard cells, which regulate the opening and closing of stomata. This mechanism helps plants balance their CO2 uptake and water conservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stomata are the openings in the leaves of terrestrial plants that allow for the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2). These small pores are typically found on the underside of leaves and can open or close depending on various factors such as light, temperature, and water availability.
Stomata are surrounded by specialized cells called guard cells, which regulate the opening and closing of the stomatal pore. When the plant needs to take in CO2 for photosynthesis, the guard cells swell and create an opening. Conversely, when the plant needs to conserve water, the guard cells shrink and close the stomatal pore.
By controlling the opening and closing of stomata, plants can balance their need for CO2 uptake for photosynthesis and water conservation. This helps to maintain a continuous flow of water from the roots to the leaves, ensuring the plant's survival.