What is the Difference Between Stomata and Lenticels?

Stomata and lenticels are both structures that facilitate gas exchange in plants, but they have distinct differences:

1. Location: Stomata are found on the epidermis of plant leaves, while lenticels are found in the periderm of secondary thickening organs, the bark of woody stems, and the roots of dicotyledonous flowering plants.
2. Structure: Stomata are minute holes or apertures in plant tissue and consist of guard cells with chloroplasts, allowing them to undergo photosynthesis. Lenticels, on the other hand, are porous tissues made up of cells with vast intercellular spaces and lack chloroplasts, rendering them unable to perform photosynthesis.
3. Activation: Stomata are active during the day and responsible for gaseous exchange and transpiration. Lenticels, however, are functional at all hours of the day and night and are also responsible for performing gaseous exchange.
4. Formation: Stomata can be found in all plants (primary as well as secondary growth), while lenticels are present only after secondary growth.

In summary, stomata are primarily located on the surface of leaves and are responsible for gas exchange and photosynthesis during the day. Lenticels, on the other hand, are found in the periderm of secondary thickening organs, bark of woody stems, and roots of some flowering plants, and they facilitate gas exchange at all times of the day and night.

Comparative Table: Stomata vs Lenticels

Here is a table comparing the differences between stomata and lenticels:

Note: Both stomata and lenticels are involved in gas exchange, allow the release of water vapor into the atmosphere, and are made up of living cells. They are both exposed to the outer world and are essential for the plant's survival.