What are two specialized epidermal cells and what do they do for the plant? Solution The two specialized epidermal cells in the plant are 1. Guard cells 2. Trichome. Guard cells are kidney shaped cells with rich green chloroplasts.Guard cells occur in form of pairs. A pair of guard cells and pore are referred as stomate. Guard cells perform two different functions. At daytime, guard cells open small pores in the plant epidermal surface allowing carbon dioxide to diffuse from atmosphere into the chlorenchyma tissue required for the photosynthesis process. It also regulates oxygen exchange. At night-time guard cells close the pores in the epidermal cells preventing water loss from leaves. Guard cells can alter the size of stomata by changing its structure in response to water exchange. Trichomes are branched hairy projections of modified epidermal cells. Trichomes are multi cellular with spine shape or hook shaped. Trichomes are branched or unbranched, unicellular or multicellular. Trichomes function to prevent water loss through evapouration and retains moisture. It secretes a sticky substance that repels insects..