leaves Flashcards
Why is the top surface of a leaf waxy?
To stop water escaping from the leaf.
Which gas diffuses into a leaf?
Carbon dioxide
Why are there fewer chloroplasts in the cells of the bottom side of a leaf?
Because sunlight mainly hits the top of leaves so chloroplasts aren’t needed on the bottom as much.
Stomata (holes) in leaves are opened and close by special cells called…
guard cells
How does being thin help a leaf to carry out photosynthesis?
Gases can move in and out of the leaf easily.
Why is a leaf normally dark green on top but lighter on the bottom?
There are fewer chloroplasts on the bottom so there is less chlorophyll.
How do gases and water get in and out of a leaf?
Through holes called stomata
What is the name of the tube that carries glucose around the plant?
Phloem tubes
How is the structure of a leaf suited to carry out photosynthesis?
Contain chlorophyll to capture sunlight.
They are thin
They have a large surface area
They have veins
Name the 3 main layers of a leaf
- Waxy layer
- Palisade layer
- Spongy layer
How do veins help a leaf to carry out photosynthesis?
They are made from xylem tubes which can transport water for photosynthesis to take place.
How does a large surface area help a leaf to carry out photosynthesis?
A large surface area can capture as much light as possible.
