Plant terminology

Question 1

Waxy cuticle

Answer 1

The waterproof coating that prevents water evaporation from the top surface of the leaf.

Question 2

Upper epidermis

Answer 2

A single layer of cells containing few or no chloroplasts that has the waxy cuticle on its surface

Question 3

Palisade layer

Answer 3

A layer of densely packed cells that are filled with chloroplasts to maximise light absorption where most photosynthesis occurs

Question 4

Spongy mesophyll

Answer 4

A looser arrangement of cells that allow for gas exchange where little photosynthesis happens

Question 5

Guard cell

Answer 5

Regulate the opening and closing of stomata by becoming turgid and flaccid

Question 6

Stomata

Answer 6

The pores usually found in the underside of the leads that allow water to leave the leaf via transportation also allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to be exchanged depending on whether photosynthesis or respiration dominate.

Question 7

Lower epidermis

Answer 7

The stomata are located in this layer of cells.