๐ฟ A new tool observes plant respiration in real time
Techno-Science.net โข โข science
Key Points:
- Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed the 'Stomata In-Sight' system, a novel tool combining live confocal microscopy, gas sensors, and an environmental chamber to observe stomatal movements and gas exchange in real time under controlled conditions.
- Stomata are microscopic leaf openings that regulate CO2 intake for photosynthesis but also cause water loss; understanding their dynamic behavior is crucial for improving plant water use efficiency, particularly amid climate change challenges.
- Previous methods only captured static images or lacked environmental control, limiting insights into how stomata respond to factors like light, temperature, and humidity; the new system overcomes these obstacles by enabling precise, real-time observation.
- This technology could accelerate the development of crops with optimized stomatal traits
 { path { fill: %23EEEFE9 } })