Leaves Flashcards
What is one of the main functions of leaves?
Photosynthesis
What is transpiration in the context of leaves?
The process of water vapor exiting the leaf through small openings called stomata.
What is gas exchange in leaves?
The process of exchanging gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the leaf and the environment.
What is one of the functions of leaves related to storage?
Storage of water in certain plants.
What adaptation do succulents have in their leaves?
Thick, fleshy leaves adapted to store water, enabling them to survive in arid environments.
Blade (Lamina)
broad, flat part of the
leaf responsible for capturing sunlight and conducting photosynthesis.
Petiole
The stalk that connects the leaf
blade to the stem.
Midrib
The central vein that runs down the middle of the leaf, providing structural support.
Veins
A network of smaller vascular bundles that branch out from the midrib.
Veins function
provide structural support and are involved in the transport of water and nutrients into the
leaf and the movement of sugars produced during photosynthesis.
Stipules
leaf-like structures found at the base of the petiole. They can protect the developing leaf or stem, and help in photosynthesis.
Stomata
Small pores located mostly on
the underside of the leaf
Stomata controls what?
Gas exchange
Cuticle
A waxy, protective layer on the surface of the leaf that reduces water loss.
Mesophyll
The inner tissue of the leaf
Two layers of mesophyll
Palisade mesophyll and Spongy mesophyll
Palisade Mesophyll
The upper layer of tightly packed cells where most of the photosynthesis occurs.
Spongy Mesophyll
The lower layer, with loosely arranged cells and air spaces, allowing for gas exchange.
Leaf venation
refers to the arrangement of veins in a leaf.
Reticulate Venation
prominent central vein where it forms a network or web-like. structure. Common in dicot plants
Parallel venation
when veins run parallel to each other from the base to the tip of the leaf
Phyllotaxy
refers to the arrangement of leaves on the stem or branch of a plant.
Alternate Phyllotaxy
A single leaf grows at each node, alternately arranged on opposite sides of the stem.
Opposite Phyllotaxy
Two leaves grow opposite to each other at the same node.
Whorled Phyllotaxy
More than two leaves grow in a circular arrangement at a single node.
Spines
These are modified leaves that provide protection against herbivores and reduce water loss.
Bulb Scales
are underground storage organs made of modified leaves, typically used to store food and energy.
Bracts
These are modified leaves that are often colorful and can help attract pollinators to flowers
Insectivorous Leaves (Carnivorous)
modified leaves that captures insects and small organisms to supplement the plant’s nutrient intake.
Storage leaves
are leaves that are modified to store
water,nutrients, or
carbohydrates.
Phyllodes
These are flattened leaf-like structures that perform photosynthesis while the true leaves are modified or
reduced.
