Chlorophyll and Photosynthesis in Stomatal Guard Cells

Abstract

INVESTIGATIONS in this laboratory carried out by different techniques from those of Shaw and MacLachlan give direct support to their recent statements¹ with regard to the presence of chlorophyll in stomatal guard cells and the ability of these cells to assimilate carbon dioxide by photosynthesis. Measurements of light absorption made on intact plastids in the living guard cells of leaves of Rumex patientia, Chrysanthemum maximum and Vicia faba have shown the presence of chlorophylls a and b. Moreover, an active synthesis of carbohydrates in the light is clearly indicated by the diurnal changes of sugars and starch in the epidermis of the leaf.