gas exchange in leaves Flashcards
what is the main gas exchange surface in a leaf
the surface of the mesophyll cells
what do mesophyll cells have
large surface area
where are the stomatas
lower epidermis
where does gas move in and out of
stomata
what do stomatas do
open to allow exchange of gases, and close if the plant is loosing too much water
what do guard cells do
control the opening and closing of the stomata
what are xerophytes
plants adapted to live in warm, dry and windy conditions
how do sunken stomatas reduce evaporation of water in the leaf (xerophytes)
they trap water vapour, reducing the concentration gradient of water between air and leaf
hairs on leaf (xerophytes)
layer of hair on epidermis traps water vapour round stomata
Curled leaves (xerophytes)
traps water vapour and lowers exposed surface area
reduced number of stomata (xerophytes)
less places for water to escape
thicker waxy cuticle (xerophytes)
waterproof to reduce evaporation
