Stomatal structure in relation to the mechanism of stomatal opening and closing.

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Corn (Zea mays) – Plants exhibiting effects of twisted whorls. Leaves will remain “wrinkled” for the remainder of the growing season

Stomatal structure in corn leaves

by Srivastava L. M., Singh A. P. (1972)

Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby 2, B. C. Canada

in J. Ultrastruct. Res. 39: 345-363 – https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5320(72)90028-7 –

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022532072900287

Abstract

The development and final structure of the guard and subsidiary cells in corn leaves is described. The anticlinal walls of the guard cells abutting the subsidiary cells thicken in a characteristic manner. The common wall between the guard cells has pores near its distal/proximal end which enable the pair to behave as a single osmotic unit.

Additionally, the guard cells have a highly dissected vacuole which shows an acidic pH. The subsidiary cells have large central vacuoles with an alkaline pH and numerous electron lucent spherical inclusions.

These and other cytological features are discussed in relation to the mechanism of stomatal opening and closing.