Structure of a leaf and adaptations Flashcards
waxy cuticle
protective layer on top of leaf preventing H2O from evaporating
upper epidermis
thin and transparent to allow light to enter palisade mesophyll layer under it
palisade mesophyll
Column shaped cells packed with chloroplasts to absorb more light, maximising photosynthesis.
Spongy mesophyll
Contain internal air spaces that increase surface area to volume ratio to increase rate of diffusion of gases
lower epidermis
Contain guard cells and stomata
Guard cell
Absorbs and loses water to open and close stomata so CO2 can diffuse in and O2 can diffuse out.
Stomata
where gaseous exchange takes place. Opens during day and closes at night. Evaporation of water also takes place here.
why does a leaf have large surface area
To increase surface area for diffusion of CO2 and absorption of light for photosynthesis
Why is a leaf thin
allows CO2 to diffuse into the palisade mesophyll quickly
why does a leaf have chlorophyll
absorbs light energy so photosynthesis could occur.
why does a leaf have a network of viens
Allows the transportation of H2O to cells of leaf for photosynthesis and carbohydrates from the leaf as a product of photosynthesis
why does a leaf have Stomata
Allows CO2 to diffuse into leaf and oxygen out of.
Why is the epidermis thin and transparent?
Allows more light to reach the palisade cells
why does a leaf have thin cuticle made of wax
protect the leaf without blocking sunlight.
why does a leaf have palisade cell layer at top of leaf
Maximises absolution of light as they will hit chloroplasts directly
