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Does the Density of Stomata in a Plant's Leaf Affect the Amount of Water Lost?

CSEF · 2004 Plant Biology

Madison A. Zeller · Sierra Canyon Middle School, Chatsworth

Overview

Objectives/Goals I investigated whether or not the density of stomata in a plant's leaf affects how much water is lost during transpiration. My hypothesis was that different numbers of stomata would have an affect. Methods/Materials I placed four different plant species into separate graduated cylinders filled with 10 ml of water. A controlled cylinder held no plant. I let them sit for three days and then calculated each plant's average water loss. Results The average losses and standard deviation values were Diefienbacia 3.9/2.6 ml, Spathafillum 3.3/2.3 ml, Philodendron 2.4/1 ml, Ivy 1.9/0.7 ml, and the control 0.4/0 ml. Conclusions/Discussion After performing a statistical analysis on the results, I concluded that stomata numbers do not affect water loss amounts. My hypothesis was proven wrong, though differences in plant characteristics such as a stem's thickness could have impacted the water loss results.

Summary statement

My project is about how the density of a plant's stomata affects the amount of water lost during transpiration.

Help received

Borrowed microscope and slides from Sierra Canyon School; Parents helped gather supplies and explained graphing program.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2004 Plant Biology · Entry J1630

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