[Campbell Biology P.846] Based on the 'VISUAL SKILLS' prompt and Figure 36.13, if the microg... | Practice Question

Based on the 'VISUAL SKILLS' prompt and Figure 36.13, if the micrograph represents a section of epidermis 500 μm by 300 μm, what is the approximate stomatal density of this bean leaf in stomata per square centimeter? Count only clearly distinguishable stomata within the image boundaries .

  • A: 1500 stomata/cm²
  • B: 3333 stomata/cm²
  • C: 4000 stomata/cm²
  • D: 6667 stomata/cm²

Explanation

The micrograph area is 500 μm by 300 μm, which equals 150,000 μm². Since 1 cm = 10,000 μm, then 1 cm² = 10,000 μm ² = 100,000,000 μm². Therefore, 150,000 μm² = 150,000 / 100,000,000 cm² = 0.0015 cm². Counting the clearly distinguishable complete stomata in Figure 36.13, there are 6 stomata. Thus, the stomatal density is 6 stomata / 0.0015 cm² = 4000 stomata/cm².