Plant Physiology Stomata

by Jason Fitzgerald, Southeastern Illinois College Course Biology 111, Introduction to Biology Description This module will help students to understand the process of opening and closing stomatal pores in leaf epidermis of plants. The instructor will use a projecting microscope to illustrate to the students what happens to the stomata when the guard cells are exposed to isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions. After each demonstration, the students will repeat the experiment using their own microscopes. Discussion will follow each activity. Transferability This module will transfer to any botany or horticulture class. Faculty Technology Skill The instructor needs to know how to use a microscope/projecting microscope to view specimens. Student Technology Skill The students need to know how to use microscope to view specimens. Faculty Equipment Microscope with projecting microscope and monitor or screen (depending on the type of scope used) Student Equipment Microscope Cost Projecting microscopes or adapters that allow regular microscopes to be used as a projecting scope can range from $300 to $2000. Depending on the type used, the scope can be hooked to a computer monitor or TV (to which most labs have access). Improvement on Teaching and Learning By using the technology to project the experiment onto a screen, the students can see exactly what they are to look for when conducting their own activities. The effects that are to be seen in this activity occur so rapidly that if the students dont know exactly what to be looking at on their slide, theyll miss the action that is occurring with the stomata. Nontechnology Comparison There is no other way to project a microscope slide onto a screen for the entire class to see without using this technology; therefore, you will only be able to tell students what to look for and possibly you could show them still pictures. Nonetheless, without using the 75

technology, you will not be as sure that the students are going to see the results that you want them to see. Pertinent Issues The cost of the projecting scope or adapter will be fairly costly if the school does not already have one. To cut down on the costs, the instructor will want to purchase one that can be used with the already present a/v equipment (TV, computer). Also, sometimes during the projection process, the colors may become distorted and the instructor will need to explain this to the students. The instructor may also want to conduct the activity two or three times before the students conduct their own activities. How to Use in the Classroom This module should be used during a lab period or activity period related to a topic on plant physiology or transpiration. Before completing the activity portion, a brief discussion on the events that occur in order for stomata to open or close should be conducted. Inform the students about the mechanics and physiological processes involved (this would ideally be a review of material presented during a previous lecture).

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Activity: Plant Physiology Stomata

Procedure It is best to use the epidermis from a Kalanchoe leaf to demonstrate this activity. Break a small portion of a leaf, and slowly pull backward to remove the epidermis (very similar to the way to get onion epidermis). Make a wet mount of the epidermis, and project it using the projecting scope. There should be several stoma visible on the screen; Kalanchoe leaves have an abundancy of stoma. If possible, do not use a coverslip for this activity. Once the slide is in focus and several stoma are in view, point out the guard cells to the students, and review the processes involved in the opening and closing of the pores. While the students are focused on one stomata, add one drop of distilled water to the slide. Lead a class discussion of what was observed: Did the pores open or close? How did the distilled water contribute to this? Make another wet mount of a section of epidermis, and focus it on the monitor for the students to see. While the students are focused on one stomata, add one drop of 10%-20% NaCl solution to the slide. Lead a class discussion of what was observed: Did the pores open or close? How did the salt water contribute to this? Instruct the students to repeat the activities using their own microscopes and specimens. Further Discussion Questions 1. Under what circumstances / conditions would you expect to find open stoma? 2. Under what circumstances / conditions would you expect to find closed stoma?

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