Leaves Flashcards
What features do plant cells contain and animal cells not?
Chloroplasts, a large central vacuole and a cell wall.
How is chlorophyll adapted?
It is able to absorb light from different parts of the spectrum.
Why are leaves broad and flat?
To provide a larger surface area to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.
What does the network of vascular bundles do?
Provide support and transport water to green cells from the root hair cells. It also removes the products of photosynthesis (glucose)
Why do leaves have a thin structure?
So the gases (carbon dioxide and oxygen) only have a short distance to travel to and from the cells.
What are stomata?
Tiny pores
Where are they located?
On the underside of the leaf.
What do stomata do?
Allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse in and out for photosynthesis and respiration. (Gaseous exchange)
What controls the diameter of the stomata?w
Guard cells
What are the four distinct layers of the leaf?
The upper epidermis, the palisade layer, the spongy mesophyll and the lower epidermis.
What is the function of the waxy cuticle?
Restricts water loss from the lead.
Why is the upper epidermis transparent?
To allow sunlight through to the layer below.
What are the adaptions of the cells in the palisade layer?
They are positioned near the top of the leaf to absorb the maximum amount of light and are packed with chloroplasts, which absorb the light energy needed for photosynthesis.
Why does the spongy mesophyll contain lots of air spaces connected to the stomata?
To ensure the optimum exchange of gases.
What does the lower epidermis contain?
Most of the stomata.
