Leaf Breathing Mechanism
Feb 7, 2020 22:52:39 #
A suggestion was made that I stage the backside of the leaf to reveal the breathing mechanism which is a series of holes and air sacks. The front side of the leaf that I posted earlier shows a more smooth surface which is used to collect sunshine as part of the plants food making process.
As always, thanks in advance to all who view and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.
As always, thanks in advance to all who view and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.
Feb 8, 2020 00:20:03 #
Hmm, not sure why they aren't obvious. They are always pretty distinct when I see them. I will have to ask the wife about this in the morning (she is a Botanist).
Sorry if this was a wild goose chase!
Sorry if this was a wild goose chase!
Feb 8, 2020 04:27:20 #
It is interesting to see these details on the underside of a leaf but I feel as Mark does in that it would also be interesting to see a stomata (with its guard cells) where gaseous exchange takes place.
Feb 8, 2020 08:34:31 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
A suggestion was made that I stage the backside of the leaf to reveal the breathing mechanism which is a series of holes and air sacks. The front side of the leaf that I posted earlier shows a more smooth surface which is used to collect sunshine as part of the plants food making process.
As always, thanks in advance to all who view and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.
As always, thanks in advance to all who view and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.
Absolutely FABULOUS!! Without the output of these leaves we would all be gasping for oxygen!!
Feb 8, 2020 10:23:55 #
The Botanist wife is puzzled too. Stomates are in the uppermost layer, or epidermis, and the epidermis is generally transparent. The 'green' of a leaf is from cells inside which are called mesophyll cells. That is where most chloroplasts are in leaves. We are here looking thru the clear epidermis into the mesophyll interior. The shiny texture and the fine hairs are epidermis, of course. Don't know why we don't see stomates.
What you could do, if you like, is to look at the undersides of other leaves, including houseplant leaves. Preferably one that is very smooth and not hairy. I expect you only need to borrow a small piece of one. Green grass blades would work too. I would scan around to look for stomates before committing to taking pictures. You can see pictures of what to look for online.
What you could do, if you like, is to look at the undersides of other leaves, including houseplant leaves. Preferably one that is very smooth and not hairy. I expect you only need to borrow a small piece of one. Green grass blades would work too. I would scan around to look for stomates before committing to taking pictures. You can see pictures of what to look for online.
Feb 8, 2020 10:35:13 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
The Botanist wife is puzzled too. Stomates are in ... (show quote)
Oh Mark...the adventure continues..and I will crank up the magnification as well. I have a Philodendron that is ten years old and I'll see what her leaf revels.
Feb 8, 2020 10:36:16 #
EnglishBrenda wrote:
It is interesting to see these details on the underside of a leaf but I feel as Mark does in that it would also be interesting to see a stomata (with its guard cells) where gaseous exchange takes place.
Thanks Brenda, I'm going to do a smooth surface leaf today at a higher magnification.
Feb 8, 2020 10:37:55 #
Don, the 2nd son wrote:
Absolutely FABULOUS!! Without the output of these leaves we would all be gasping for oxygen!!
Thanks for viewing and you're right about plants being essential to life on earth.
Feb 8, 2020 10:47:29 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
They are probably here, only hard to see in this leaf. Here is a good candidate.
Feb 8, 2020 11:29:43 #
Exploring is fun...... 
In the fall, when racking leaves, turn 'em over. What you find sometimes is eggs sacks from nesting insects.........some already hatched......some not........just an idea
In the fall, when racking leaves, turn 'em over. What you find sometimes is eggs sacks from nesting insects.........some already hatched......some not........just an ideaFeb 8, 2020 12:05:06 #
photosbytw wrote:
Exploring is fun...... In the fall, when racking leaves, turn 'em over. What you find sometimes is eggs sacks from nesting insects.........some already hatched......some not........just an idea
In the fall, when racking leaves, turn 'em over. What you find sometimes is eggs sacks from nesting insects.........some already hatched......some not........just an ideaWe have quite a few preserved areas around our floodplain where nature is left to here own and I have a handy little rake that I use to maintain our "dog yard" which would work perfect for over-turning the leaves. I'll see what I can "turn up" out there. At least with the cold weather it won't be a snake.
Feb 8, 2020 12:06:49 #
Snake! 
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.