The high amount of malate in guard cells of open stomata accumulates by the hydrolysis of

Options

A. glucose
B. lignin
C. cellulose
D. starch

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the accumulation of malate in the guard cells of open stomata and which substance is hydrolyzed to produce this malate.

2. **Identifying Key Terms**:
- **Malate**: A key organic compound that plays a significant role in the process of photosynthesis and is involved in the regulation of stomatal opening.
- **Guard Cells**: Specialized cells that surround the stomata and control their opening and closing, thus regulating gas exchange.
- **Hydrolysis**: A chemical process that involves the breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Glucose**: A simple sugar that is a primary energy source for plants but is not directly related to malate accumulation in guard cells.
- **Lignin**: A complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants, providing structural support, but does not contribute to malate production.
- **Cellulose**: A polysaccharide that forms the structural component of the plant cell wall, not directly involved in malate accumulation.
- **Starch**: A polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of energy in plants. It can be hydrolyzed to produce glucose, which can then be converted into malate.

4. **Conclusion**: The high amount of malate in guard cells of open stomata accumulates by the hydrolysis of **starch**. This is because starch can be broken down into simpler sugars, which can then be converted into malate.

**Final Answer**: The high amount of malate in guard cells of open stomata accumulates by the hydrolysis of **starch**.

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