LEAF MORPHOLOGY AND ANATOMY Flashcards
Main photosynthetic organs of plants and as the site of transpiration
Leaves
Most leaves are ….
Optimal for ….
Thin and Flat
Diffusion of gases such as CO2 andO2
broad, flat portion of a leaf
Blade
Edge of the leaf
Margin
leaflike outgrowths usually
present in pairs at the base of the petiole
Stipules
veins along the midline which
usually possess the primary vein.
Midrib
veins that branched out
from the primary vein
Secondary Vein
emerging buds observed
between the stem and petiole
Auxiliary buds
The pattern of division of a leaf into discrete components or segments is termed
Leaf Type
One bearing a single continuous blade
Simple leaf
Divided into two or more, discrete leaflets
Compund leaf
Leaf arrangement
Phyllotaxy
refers to one leaf or other structure per node (upper left).
Alternate
describes two leaves or other structures per node, i.e., on opposite sides of a stem or central axis (upper right).
Opposite
(opposite in two ranks) is termed for opposite leaves or other structures at right angles to preceding pair (lower left).
Decussate
having three or more leaves or other structures per node (lower right).
Whorled
It covers both the upper and the lower surface
Epidermis
Refers to the tissue present in between the upper and lower epidermis; photosynthetic tissue of the leaf and divided into two regions
Mesophyll
It lies below the upper epidermis;
Made up of elongated cells arranged vertically, forming an angle of 90′′ with the upper epidermis and these cells have numerous chloroplasts and take an active part in photosynthesis. The cells do not have intercellular spaces in between them and are closely packed.
Palisade mesophyll
Lies below the palisade parenchyma
and made up of round or oval cells, which are irregularly arranged without any particular arrangement. The cells possess large intercellular spaces in between them for
gas exchange and heat dissipation
Spongy Mesophyll
• These are leaves or part of the leaves that have specialized functions other than its primary purpose
• These modifications resulted to adapt their habitat, protection from predators, support the plant, attract pollinators, and more
Leaf Modification
• Refer to one of the leaves resembling scales that form the sheath of a plant bud
• Protects the young buds (e.g., new leaf or apical meristem)
• Usually found in trees in temperate countries or diagnostic characteristic of a plant family (Moraceae)
Bud scales
• Modified petiole or leaf stems that appear like a leaf
• Widened petiole or leaf stem function as a normal leaf for photosynthesis
• Found in Acacia and Citrus
Phyllode
• Refers to the large sheathing bract enclosing the flower cluster of certain plants, especially the spadix of aroid (Araceae) and palms (Arecaceae)
• Attract pollinators particularly bright colored spathe
Spathe