8: Leaves

Phylloplane

The surface of the leaf.

Phyllosphere

The microclimate of the leaf.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.

Storage

The function of leaves to store nutrients and energy.

Protection

The presence of spikes on cacti leaves for defense.

Transpiration

The loss of water vapor through stomata on the leaf surface.

Climbing

The ability of plants to climb using tendrils.

Prey capture

The carnivorous function of some leaves to capture and digest prey.

Stipules

Leaf-like appendages at the base of some leaves.

Petiole

The stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the stem.

Blade shape

The various shapes of leaf blades.

Blade margins

The different types of edges on leaf blades.

Venation

The arrangement of veins in a leaf.

Pinnate

Veins radiating from a central midrib.

Palmate

Veins radiating from the base of the leaf.

Parallel/Linear

Veins running parallel to each other.

Complexity

Classification of leaves as simple or compound.

Epidermis

The outer covering of the leaf that produces a cuticle.

Cuticle

The waxy, hydrophobic layer on the leaf surface that prevents water loss.

Trichomes

Hairs on the leaf that reflect light and reduce water loss.

Mesophyll

The bulk of the leaf blade, composed of ground tissue.

Vascular bundle

Veins composed of xylem and phloem surrounded by bundle sheath cells.

Mesophyll composition

The difference in mesophyll structure between monocots and dicots.

Stomatal density

The average number of stomata per square centimeter on a leaf surface.

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