The Duties of a Parent are Never-Ending, Just Like Our Baby's Stomata!

{Stomata and Guard Cells, explained}

Unlike most parents, we want our cutie pie to have a 'big mouth.' 

Our baby boy needs a way to take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to perform photosynthesis, and we would be in some real trouble! Thankfully, his stomata come to the rescue!

Stomata allow carbon dioxide to enter tissue that is photosynthetically active. Stomata consist of two specialized guard cells, which change their shape to open or close pores - openings in the epidermis. 

When our little guy's stomata open, many gasses, like carbon dioxide, oxygen, water vapor, and others can freely move between the outside atmosphere and his interior, by a process of diffusion. Stomata will open when carbon dioxide is needed, and close when it is not. Stomata will also close when transpiration is really in high gear, and large amounts of water are lost. 

Stomata function by opening the pore in conjunction with the changing shape of the guard cell. Guard cells are extremely important too, regulating the opening and closing of the stomata. When water is flowing out of the cell, particularly in large droves due to transpiration, guard cells will become flaccid, and as a result close the stomata. When pores are closed like this, it is because our little man wants to retain as much water as possible, and limit the amount lost to the outside atmosphere. However, when water is flowing inward and our baby boy is 'drinking' away,' guard cells become turgid, and pores are open. When pores open, excess oxygen will diffuse out, and actively photosynthesizing cells on the interior of the leaves and stems will receive the carbon dioxide needed to continue photosynthesis.

It's hard to believe that at such an age he is already doing so much. As parents, we couldn't be more proud!!