Field Notes Journal
Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

I.2 Observation of Stomata

Aim

To study the structure and distribution of stomata in a leaf epidermis.

Specimen & Apparatus

  • Fresh leaf (e.g. spider plant, tradescantia, or lily)
  • Forceps or needle
  • Slide and coverslip
  • Water
  • Compound microscope

Method

  1. Prepare an epidermal peel from the lower surface of the leaf.
  2. Mount the peel in a drop of water on a slide.
  3. Apply a coverslip carefully.
  4. Focus under low power and locate stomata.
  5. Increase magnification for detailed examination.

Observations to Make

  • Shape and arrangement of guard cells.
  • Form of the stomatal aperture.
  • Distribution of stomata across the surface.
  • Differences between surrounding epidermal cells and guard cells.