6.2 Leaf structure

Question 1

adaptations of leaf for photosynthesis

Answer 1

-large surface area: this helps to allow more diffusion of carbon dioxide and more absorption of light for photosynthesis
-thin: this allows faster diffusion of carbon dioxide to palisade mesophyll cells

Question 2

identify these parts of a leaf in a diagram:
-chloroplasts
-cuticle
-guard cells
-stomata
-upper epidermis
-lower epidermis
-palisade mesophyll
-spongy mesophyll
-air spaces
-vascular bundles
-xylem
-phloem

Question 3

adaptations of leaf structures

Answer 3

-chloroplasts: contains chlorophyll that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis
-cuticle: the cuticle is waxy but thin so it protects the leaf from water loss without blocking sunlight
-guard cells and stomata: in the lower epidermis, guard cells open and close the stomata to control and allow CO2 to diffuse into the leaf and O2 to diffuse out
-upper epidermis: this is thin and transparent so it allows more light to reach the palisade cells
-palisade mesophyll: this layer is at the top of the leaf so the chloroplasts in the cell can absorb more light
-spongy mesophyll with air spaces: the air spaces allow CO2 to easily diffuse through the leaf
-vascular bundle (xylem and phloem): -xylem : bring water and minerals to the leaf
-phloem : transports sugars and amino acids away from the leaf to the rest of the plant