Leaf Structure Flashcards
What is carbon dioxide needed for?
Photosynthesis
What is oxygen needed for?
Respiration
How do gases get in and out of the leaf?
By diffusion through the stomata
What is diffusion?
The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, down a concentration gradient
What is aerobic respiration?
The breakdown of glucose to release energy in the presence of oxygen
What is photosynthesis?
The conversion of light energy into chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose molecules made from atoms from carbon dioxide and water
How do air spaces in the spongy mesophyll affect gas exchange?
Air spaces increase the surface area to volume ratio for the carbon dioxide absorption
How do the guard cells affect gas exchange?
Allows the stomata to open and close to allow the diffusion of gases
How does the broad shape of the leaf affect gas exchange?
Increases surface area to absorb more sunlight and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis
How does the thin shape of the leaf affect gas exchange?
Shorter diffusion pathway for carbon dioxide to diffuse into the leaf cells and for oxygen to diffuse out of the leaf cells
How do the stomata affect gas exchange?
Open to allow carbon dioxide into the leaf for photosynthesis and the diffusion of oxygen and water vapour out of the leaf.
