Specialised Plant Cells

Question 1

Palisade cells in leaves do most of the photosynthesis. Describe how palisade cells are specialised for its function.

Answer 1

• They contain many chloroplasts, so they can absorb a lot of light.

• Their cell wall is thin, so carbon dioxide can easily diffuse into the cell.

Question 2

Fill in the blank:
In the light, guard cells take up water and become ______. Their thin outer walls and _________ inner walls force them to bend outwards, opening the stoma. When guard cells lose water and become _______, the stoma closes.

Answer 2

In the light, guard cells take up water and become (turgid). Their thin outer walls and (thickened) inner walls force them to bend outwards, opening the stoma. When guard cells lose water and become (flaccid), the stoma closes.

Question 3

Root hair cells absorb water and mineral ions from the soil. How are they specialised for its function?

Answer 3

• They have a large surface area for absorption.

• They also have a thin, permeable cell wall for absorption.

• They contain many mitochondria to provide the energy needed for active transport.