Internal structure of leaf and its adaptations for photosynthesis

Question 1

Waxy cuticle

Answer 1

on outside of both upper and lower epidermis are waterproof to prevent
leaves losing water that is needed for photosynthesis.

Question 2

Stomatal pores

Answer 2

which are present throughout the lower epidermis, allow CO2 to diffuse
into the leaf and O2 to diffuse out

Question 3

Palisade mesophyll cells

Answer 3

are directly below the upper epidermis and closest to
the sunlight, contain a large number of chloroplasts to maximize the amount of light energy absorbed.

Question 4

Palisade mesophyll cells (2)

Answer 4

are arranged at 90° to the leaf’s surface to minimize the loss of sunlight energy which occurs as it passes through cell walls, and also to allow the chloroplasts to move to the top of the cells in dim light to maximize the amount of light absorbed.

Question 5

Intercellular air spaces

Answer 5

between the spongy mesophyll cells allow carbon dioxide to
diffuse to all the mesophyll cells and oxygen to diffuse away.

Question 6

Xylem vessels

Answer 6

in the veins running through the leaf supply all the mesophyll cells with water and mineral ions

Question 7

Phloem sieve tubes

Answer 7

in the veins transport the soluble food made in photosynthesis
away from the mesophyll cells to other parts of the plant.