Microscopic pores found primarily on the undersides of leaves that regulate gas exchange and water loss in plants. Each stoma is surrounded by two guard cells that can open and close the pore in response to environmental conditions.
From Greek 'stoma' meaning mouth, with 'stomata' being the plural form. First used botanically in the 1600s, the term reflects how these structures act like tiny mouths that open and close.
Stomata are like thousands of tiny mouths on the bottom of leaves that are constantly 'breathing' - they open to let CO2 in for photosynthesis but have to balance this with water loss, like trying to eat without drooling!
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