Stanford U Scientists Reveal New Info about Stomata

Stomata found on almost every plant are responsible for releasing moisture and oxygen into the environment. They play an important role in the survival of plants and in maintaining the health of the planet. Scientists from Standford University, USA, discovered that the formation of microscopic pores called stomata is controlled by a specific signaling pathway that blocks activity of a single protein required for stomata development.

"Scientists have said that the environment affects plant development, but no one could point to a protein that was responsible for that response," scientist Dominique Bergmann said. "Now we know a major target inside the cell and how it is regulated." This information will enable scientists to modify crops to maximize their productivity under changing climate conditions.

Read the Standford media release at http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2008/december3/stomata-120308.html