structure of leafs

Question 1

what is the structure of the upper epidermis?

Answer 1

the upper epidermis is a thin layer of cells that are transparent to allow sunlight to pass through easily, it is covered in a waxy cuticle which prevents water loss by evaporation.

Question 2

what is the structure of the palisade mesophyll?

Answer 2

the palisade mesophyll is made up of tightly packed packed cells, the cells contain lots of chloroplasts because this is where most of the photosynthesis takes place.

Question 3

what is the structure of the spongey mesophyll?

Answer 3

they are made up of loosely packed cells with loads of air spaces to allow gases to diffuse around the leaf, the cells contain fewer chloroplasts as less photosynthesis takes place here.

Question 4

what is the structure of the lower epidermis?

Answer 4

they are a thin layer of cells including guard cells, these control the opening and closing of the stomata. these have small pores in the bottom of the leaf that allow gases to enter/exit the leaf.

Question 5

what is the equation of photosynthesis?

Answer 5

carbon dioxide + water —–> glucose + oxygen