Q29 / 180 · NEET 2013 (Karnataka) · Botany
Which of the following statements is not true for stomatal apparatus?
- AGuard cells invariably possess chloroplasts and mitochondria.
- Correct answerBGuard cells are always surrounded by subsidiary cells.
- CStomata are involved in gaseous exchange.
- DInner wall of guard cells are thick.
Solution
The stomata are bordered by two specialized epidermal cells - the guard cells which in some cases are accompanied by subsidiary cells. The walls of guard cells are unevenly thickened. Each guard cell has thick, inelastic inner wall and thin, elastic outer wall, containing chloroplasts. Stomatal aperture is present in between the guard cells. Guard cells are not always surrounded by accessory cells or subsidiary cells.
Related Theory
The specialized epidermal cells which surround the guard cells are known as subsidiary cells. The stem and leaf epidermis of plants possess small pores known as stomata. Each sfoma is surrounded by a pair of specialized cells called guard cells. Guard cells are further surrounded by another group of cells called subsidiary cells. They provide support to the guard cells.


Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.