Question

How is the uptake of the K+ ions balanced in the guard cells?

Answer 1

The uptake of the K⁺ ions is balanced by different ways such as:

1. When the entry of the Cl^- ions take place into the guard cells so that it maintain the electrical difference that it neutralizes the K⁺ ions.
2. H⁺ ions are transported to the subsidiary cells and the K⁺ ions are taken into the guard cells in exchange of the K⁺ ions and the process is known as the ion exchange method.
3. The organic acids present such as the malic acid in the guard cells dissociate into malate ions and H⁺ ions.