Plants obtain oxygen through their leaves for respiration and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Gases diffuse into the intercellular spaces of leaves through pores called stomata, located on the underside of leaves. The stomata open and close via changes in turgor pressure of guard cells surrounding each stoma, regulating gas exchange. When guard cells are turgid from water uptake, stomata open to allow gas diffusion; loss of water deturgidizes guard cells and closes the stomata.