leaves and photosynthesis Flashcards
what is the green colour of plants caused by?
green chloroplasts inside some cells in stems and leaves
why do cells in plant roots contain chloroplasts?
because they are not exposed to light
what are the pigments called that chloroplasts contain?
chlorophyll
what is made when there is a reaction in the chloroplasts?
sugars and starch
where are the cells found that contain chloroplasts?
in the palisade and spongy mesophyll layers
what are guard cells?
specialised cells that surround small pores called stomata in the leaf structure
how are vascular bundles adapted?
the carry water and food
what is the main function of a leaf?
to photosynthesise
name 2 ways in which the structure and function of cells are adapted for maximum efficiency?
the epidermis is thin and transparent, allowing light through to inner cells
the chloroplasts are arranged mainly down the sides of the palisade cells allowing light to reach the mesophyll clles
what does the larger surface area of the leaf mean?
the more sunlight can be absorbed
how does carbon dioxide enter the leaf?
through stomata on the underside of leaves
give 3 examples of which a leaf is adapted for photosynthesis?
large surface are to absorb light
thin so gases do not have far to diffuse
having stomata to allow carbon dioxide to diffuse and oxygen to diffuse out
suggest why seaweeds are different colours and why this determines where they are found?
green seaweeds are found in shallow waters, brown are found in deeper water levels. The varying amount of light they receive determines the colour
what is the visible spectrum?
a range of colours
why does a leaf appear green?
because the leaf absorbs a range of colours but reflects green light
