OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the OCR GCSE Biology Exam with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Enhance your understanding of biology concepts and get exam-ready today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary function of stomata in a plant?

Control gas exchange in the leaf
Absorb sunlight for photosynthesis
Support the structure of the leaf
Store water for the plant

The correct answer is: Control gas exchange in the leaf

The primary function of stomata in a plant is to control gas exchange in the leaf. Stomata are small openings located on the surfaces of leaves, primarily on the undersides, and they play a crucial role in allowing the entry of carbon dioxide (CO2) necessary for photosynthesis, while facilitating the release of oxygen (O2) produced as a byproduct of this process. Additionally, stomata help regulate the loss of water vapor during transpiration, which is vital for maintaining water balance in the plant. The stomatal openings can vary in size, closing to minimize water loss during dry conditions or opening to maximize gas exchange when environmental conditions are favorable. This dynamic regulation is essential for the plant's overall health and efficiency in photosynthesis.