StomaToy Video: Tiny Pores, Big Science
The Video shows how tiny pores on leaves — called stomata — play a big role in keeping plants (and us!) alive.
In this short and engaging film, you’ll see the electronic interactive StomaToy in action. Using lights, it demonstrates how plants defend themselves and respond to their environment.
Stomata are tiny pores that open and close to:
- Let carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the leaf for photosynthesis
- Prevent the leaf from drying out
- Protect the plant from harmful microbes
Closing the stomatal pore is one of a plant’s first lines of defence against infection. At the same time, plants must keep their stomata open enough to grow and make food through photosynthesis.
Should they prioritise growth, or protect themselves from danger?
Plant scientists — known as stomatal biologists — study how plants control these movements. They use:
- Cell biology
- Mathematical modelling
- Plant physiology
…to understand how plants respond to changing environments.
Suitable for ages 3+
The video is designed to be accessible and engaging for young learners, while still introducing real scientific ideas.
Credits: This video was prepared and edited by a member of the public, Flora Leask, working with plant scientist Dr Lingfeng Xia in the Karnik Lab.
