concept

Surface of a mint leaf

Open stoma on an orchid leaf (Phalaenopsis sp.)

Buddleia (Buddleja davidii) leaf

SEM of an open stoma located on the lower surface of an orchid leaf. In contrast to other parasitic plants, the majority of orchids have retained their ability to photosynthesise. Photosynthesis is a light dependent process which uses carbon dioxide and water to make energy for the plant whilst releasing oxygen as a waste gas. One open stoma (pore) flanked by two guard cells is visible in the upper left corner of the image. Guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata as required to allow exchange of gases into and out of the leaf. Scanning electron micrograph; x 600; stoma is approximately 20 micrometers wide. For coloured SEM see image B0008800.

SEM of an open stoma located on the lower surface of an orchid leaf. In contrast to other parasitic plants, the majority of orchids have retained their ability to photosynthesise. Photosynthesis is a light dependent process which uses carbon dioxide and water to make energy for the plant whilst releasing oxygen as a waste gas. One open stoma (pore) flanked by two guard cells is visible in the upper left corner of the image. Guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata as required to allow exchange of gases into and out of the leaf. Scanning electron micrograph; x 600; stoma is approximately 20 micrometers wide. For original, black and white SEM see B0008767.

SEM of the surface of a mint leaf. Mint belongs to the genus Mentha and is commonly used to flavour food, drinks and dental products. Two oil glands with drops of oil sat on the leaf surface (blue) are responsible for giving this plant its characteristic aroma. The green spike in the lower left corner of the image is a hair (trichome). Numerous stomata (small olive green structures) are also visible. These pores open and close as required to allow exchange of gases into and out of the leaf.

SEM of the surface of a Butterfly bush (Buddleia) leaf. This plant thrives in dry, city areas due to the meshwork of hairs (white) on the underside of its long, narrow leaves that prevent water loss. Numerous stomata (pores) flanked by guard cells (bulbous green structures) are also visible. Guard cells control the opening and closing of the stomata as required to allow exchange of gases into and out of the leaf. False-coloured scanning electron micrograph; x 450; width of hair is approximately 8 micrometers.

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Guard cell

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Open stoma on an orchid leaf (Phalaenopsis sp.)

Open stoma on an orchid leaf (Phalaenopsis sp.)

Surface of a mint leaf

Buddleia (Buddleja davidii) leaf

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Guard cell

Images

Catalogue

Open stoma on an orchid leaf (Phalaenopsis sp.)

Open stoma on an orchid leaf (Phalaenopsis sp.)

Surface of a mint leaf

Buddleia (Buddleja davidii) leaf

Wellcome Collection

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