LENTICELS Meaning and
Definition
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Lenticels are small, corky pores or openings on the surface of the stems, branches, and sometimes roots of plants, particularly woody plants. They are responsible for gas exchange and the exchange of water vapor between the plant and its environment. Lenticels are often visible as raised spots or lines on the bark of trees.
Functioning as small pores, lenticels allow gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, to enter and exit the plant tissues. They are vital for the respiration of the cells beneath the surface, enabling the exchange of gases necessary for cellular metabolism and the release of excess gases produced during metabolic processes. These pores also facilitate the transpiration process, allowing water vapor to escape from the plant.
The structure of lenticels varies among different plant species but generally consists of loosely arranged, living cells that are more porous than the surrounding tissue. This special arrangement allows for the exchange of gases while still maintaining protection against excessive water loss or pathogens.
Lenticels are particularly important for plants during periods of high water stress, as they serve as additional routes for gas exchange when stomata, the openings on the underside of leaves, close to reduce water loss. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in the overall health and survival of plants by helping to maintain proper gas balance and accommodating the fluctuations in water availability in the environment.
In summary, lenticels are small, corky pores present on the surface of plants that facilitate gas exchange and water vapor diffusion, ensuring the survival and normal functioning of the cells beneath.
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Small lens-shaped spots on the bark of many plants, from which roots issue under circumstances favourable to their development.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LENTICELS
- Lenticules
- kenticels
- penticels
- oenticels
- lwnticels
- lsnticels
- ldnticels
- lrnticels
- l4nticels
- l3nticels
- lebticels
- lemticels
- lejticels
- lehticels
- lenricels
- lenficels
- lengicels
- lenyicels
- len6icels
- len5icels
Etymology of LENTICELS
The word "lenticels" is derived from the Latin term "lenticula" which means "small lentil". "Lenticula" is a diminutive form of "lens" which means "lentil". This term was used to describe the small raised spots or pores found on the surfaces of stems, twigs, and fruits of certain woody plants. These structures resemble the shape of a lentil, hence the name "lenticels".
Similar spelling words for LENTICELS
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