Leaf Adaptations

Question 1

State the adaptions of the leaves for photosynthesis

Answer 1

1. Large Surface Area
2. Leaf arrangement on plant
3. Thin
4. Transparent cuticle and epidermis
5. Long, narrow upper mesophyll cells packed with chloroplasts
6. Numerous stomata
7. Stomata which open and close
8. Many air spaces in mesophyll layer
9. Network of xylem
10. Phloem

Question 2

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Large surface area

Answer 2

To collect as much sunlight as possible

Question 3

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Leaf arrangement on plant

Answer 3

To minimise overlapping, and so avoids the shadowing of one leaf by another

Question 4

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Thin

Answer 4

Keeps diffusion path short

Question 5

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Transparent cuticle and epidermis

Answer 5

Allows light through to the photosynthetic mesophyll cells beneath

Question 6

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Long, narrow upper mesophyll cells packed with chloroplasts

Answer 6

Allows light to be collected

Question 7

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Numerous stomata

Answer 7

Gas exchange is more efficient

Question 8

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Stomata which open and close

Answer 8

In response to light intensity

Question 9

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Many air spaces in mesophyll layer

Answer 9

Allows diffusion of CO2 and O2

Question 10

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Network of xylem

Answer 10

Brings water to leaf cells

Question 11

Explain the benefits of the adaptation:
Phloem

Answer 11

Carries away the sugars produced in photosynthesis