Leaves And Photosynthesis

Question 1

What do chlorophyll pigments in chloroplasts do?

Answer 1

Absorb light energy for photosynthesis

Question 2

Recall the entry points of materials required for photosynthesis

Answer 2

• water through root hairs

- carbon dioxide through stomata

Question 3

Recall the exit point of materials produced in photosynthesis

Answer 3

• oxygen through stomata

Question 4

What type of leaves enable more sunlight to be absorbed?

Answer 4

Broad and flat leaves

Question 5

Explain how leaves are adapted for efficient photosynthesis

Answer 5

• broad so large surface area
• thin so short distance for gases to diffuse
• contain chlorophyll and other pigments to absorb light from different parts of the spectrum
• have a network of vascular bundles for support and transport
• guard cells which open and close the stomata

Question 6

Explain how cellular structure of a leaf is adapted for efficient photosynthesis

Answer 6

• epidermis is transparent
• palisade layer at the top containing most of the chloroplasts
• air spaces in the spongy mesophyll allow diffusion between stomata and photosynthesising cells
• internal surface area to volume ration very large

Question 7

Names parts of a leaf

Answer 7

• cuticle
• upper and lower epidermis
• palisade and spongy mesophyll layers
• stomata and guard cells
• vascular bundles

Question 8

Understand why chloroplasts are not found in all plant cells

Answer 8

E.g. Roots don’t possess any as they do not have access to light