Parts of the Leaf - Biology

waxy cuticle

A waxy layer that covers the outer epidermal wall, which prevents water loss

epidermis

The outer layer of the skin

guard cells

control the opening and closing of stomata

stomata

Small openings on the underside of a leaf through which oxygen and carbon dioxide can move

mesophyll

the middle layer of the leaf, made up of the palisade and spongy layers

xylem

Nonliving vascular tissue that carries water and dissolved minerals from the roots of a plant to its leaves

phloem

Living vascular tissue that carries sugar and organic substances throughout a plant

vein

The leaf veins are small channels or capillaries that transport water and minerals to and from the leaf of a plant. They are vascular tissues composed of xylem and phloem cells

transpiration

The process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere