Structure of a leaf

Waxy cuticle

Waxy cuticle

prevents water loss

Upper epidermis

‘Skin’ layer that prevents pathogen from entering.

• the leaf is thin and translucent to allow light through to the palisade layer.

Palisade mesophyll

• Main site of photosynthesis.

• Cells positioned to maximize exposure to light.

• Cells full of chloroplasts.

Spongy mesophyll

Site of gaseous exchange.

Vascular bundle

Contains:

• Xylem - carries water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves.

• Phloem - carries products of photosynthesis from leaves to the rest of plant.

Lower epidermis

‘Skin’ layer

• Has specialized guard cells that can control the size of the stomata (swell or deflate.)