Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
11:09
Relating Stomatal Conductance to Leaf Functional Traits
Published on: October 12, 2015
Plasticity in maximum stomatal conductance constrained by negative correlation between stomatal size and density:
Peter J Franks1, Paul L Drake, David J Beerling
11Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK. p.franks@sheffield.ac.uk
Plant, Cell & Environment
|August 18, 2009
Summary
Stomatal size and density have a negative relationship, influencing maximum stomatal conductance. This finding reveals how plants adjust water and CO2 exchange efficiently.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Ecology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Maximum stomatal conductance (gsmax) for water vapor and CO2 (gwmax, gcmax) are crucial for plant gas exchange.
- These conductances are primarily determined by stomatal size (S) and density (D) at leaf maturity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the theoretical relationship between stomatal size and density.
- To examine the empirical relationship between S and D in Eucalyptus globulus.
- To understand how the S-D relationship influences gsmax plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized basic gas diffusion equations to model stomatal function.
- Empirically analyzed the relationship between stomatal size and density in field-grown Eucalyptus globulus.
- Examined seedlings and coppice shoots under varying rainfall conditions.
Main Results:
- Theoretical analysis suggests a negative correlation between S and D offers advantages in gsmax plasticity.
- Empirical data from Eucalyptus globulus confirmed a strong negative relationship: S decreases as D increases.
- This negative S-D relationship appears to constrain gsmax plasticity while minimizing changes in epidermal area allocation.
Conclusions:
- A negative correlation between stomatal size and density is a key factor in regulating plant gas exchange.
- Higher maximum stomatal conductance is associated with smaller stomatal size and higher stomatal density.
- This relationship provides a mechanism for efficient epidermal space allocation and physiological plasticity in plants.
Related Concept Videos
02:04Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata
During photosynthesis, plants acquire the necessary carbon dioxide and release the produced oxygen back into the atmosphere. Openings in the epidermis of plant leaves is the site of this exchange of gasses. A single opening is called a stoma—derived from the Greek word for “mouth.” Stomata open and close in response to a variety of environmental cues.
01:57Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Though evaporation from plant leaves drives transpiration, it also results in loss of water. Because water is critical for photosynthetic reactions and other cellular processes, evolutionary pressures on plants in different environments have driven the acquisition of adaptations that reduce water loss.
02:41Responses to Drought and Flooding
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of plants. However, insufficient or excess of water can be detrimental and pose a serious threat to plants.
02:45Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Every organism has an optimum temperature range within which healthy growth and physiological functioning can occur. At the ends of this range, there will be a minimum and maximum temperature that interrupt biological processes.
02:12Short-distance Transport of Resources
Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.
02:02Responses to Salt Stress
Salt stress—which can be triggered by high salt concentrations in a plant’s environment—can significantly affect plant growth and crop production by influencing photosynthesis and the absorption of water and nutrients.