Flashcard biology | Quizlet

wax cuticle

a protective layer on top of the leaf which prevents water from evaporating

upper epidermis

thin and transparent to allow light from entering the palisade mesophyll layer under it

palisade mesophyll

column shaped cells, packed up with chloroplast to absorb more light, increasing photosynthesis

spongy mesophyll

contains internal air spaces that increases the surface area to volume ratio for the diffusion of gases (carbon dioxide)

Lower epidermis

contains guard cells and stomata

guard cell

absorbs and looses water to open and close the stomata so that carbon dioxide can diffuse in and oxygen diffuse out

stomata

it is were gas exchange takes place, it opens during the day and closes during the night. Evaporation of water occurs in it too. It is found in a higher concentration in the underside of the leaf to prevent more water loss.

vascular bundle

contains the xylem and phloem to transport substances in and out the leaf

xylem

transports water inside the leaf for mesophyll cells to use in photosynthesis and respiration in stomata

phloem

Transports sucrose and amino acids around the plant