Content area
Full Text
Introduction
Stomata are tiny pores found on the epidermis of the leaf, surrounded by guard cells. [1] Their main function is gas exchange [1] for photosynthesis and respiration. The development of stomata on the leaves of a plant is determined by interaction between different genes and environmental factors. A few studies have been conducted in order to establish a relationship between stomatal densities and given environmental factors. Research has shown that stomatal densities are controlled by environmental conditions during leaf development, but are fixed after the leaf matures. [2]
The article "The influence of light on stomatal density of a tomato" by A. P. Gay and R. G. Hurd describes their findings that plants grown under high light intensity have more stomata per 1 mm 2 than plants grown under low light intensity. [3]
The purpose of my investigation is to determine whether there is a correlation between the light intensity and the stomatal density on lavender leaves and whether the initial height of the plants influences the stomatal densities. The hypothesis is that an increase in the light intensity will lead to an increase in the stomatal density of the lavender leaf.
Materials and Methods
Materials
Four plant pots with soilRooting hormoneLavender plantSterilized scissorsClear plastic bagsFour fluorescent lamps of power ratings 8, 11, 14, and 20 WWooden box with four separate sections; the box dimensions are 0.5 m height by 1.0 m widthMicroscopeCover slips and microscope slidesNail polish and cellophane tapeWhite correction fluidCellophane tape
Methods
Take cuttings from a single lavender plant. Use sterilized scissors and cut the branches of the lavender plant at an angle of 45.Take eight cuttings in a way that four of them should be with an initial height of 3 cm (short plants) and four of them with an initial height of 6 cm (tall plants).Dip the cut end of the cutting in a root hormone and place it in a pot containing soil. Place one short and one tall plant in a single flowerpot. Put a clear plastic bag, with a few holes in it, over the pot. Place the four flowerpots near the window, so that they are exposed to sunlight.Water the plants every day, but not directly in the pot. Put the water in a small...