Plant Leaves: Morphology, Types, and Functions in Photosynthesis

What is the primary function of leaves in plants?

Leaves are the solar energy and CO2 collectors where photosynthesis takes place.

What is the photosynthesis equation?

6 CO2 + 6 H2O → C6H12O6 + 6 O2

What are leaf primordia?

Bulges of tissue that develop into leaves originating from the shoot's apical meristem.

What are stipules?

Paired outgrowths at the base of leaves, particularly in dicots.

What is a petiole?

The stalk of the leaf that attaches it to the stem.

What is the difference between petiolate and sessile leaves?

Petiolate leaves have a petiole, while sessile leaves do not.

What is phyllotaxy?

The arrangement of leaves on the stem.

What are simple leaves?

Leaves with a single, undivided blade.

What are compound leaves?

Leaves that have several leaflets attached to the petiole.

What is the difference between pinnately and palmately compound leaves?

Pinnately compound leaves have leaflets arranged along a central rachis, while palmately compound leaves have leaflets radiating from the tip of the petiole.

What is netted or reticulate venation?

A pattern where one or more large veins branch out and interconnect, typical of most dicots.

What is parallel venation?

A pattern where veins run parallel to each other, characteristic of monocots.

What is the role of the palisade mesophyll?

It consists of tightly packed cells that absorb light for photosynthesis.

What is the function of guard cells?

They regulate the opening and closing of stomata to control gas exchange and water loss.

What is transpiration?

The process of water loss from a plant through evaporation, primarily via stomata.

What is guttation?

The loss of water from a plant through hydathodes, often seen as dew in the morning.

How do stomata respond to water availability?

Stomata close when water is low to prevent dehydration and open during the day when water is abundant.

What are specialized or modified leaves?

Leaves adapted for specific functions such as reproduction, aeration, support, protection, storage, attraction, and absorption.

What is the function of spines in plants?

Spines protect the plant, radiate heat, and collect water vapor.

What type of leaf is found in the Kalanchoe pinnata?

Modified leaves for reproduction, producing buds along the base and tips.

What is the difference between protoxylem and metaxylem?

Protoxylem is the first-formed primary xylem with smaller cells, while metaxylem forms later with larger cells.

What is the role of the lower epidermis in leaves?

It protects the leaf surface and contains stomata for gas exchange.

What is the difference between paripinnate and imparipinnate leaves?

Paripinnate leaves have leaflets in pairs without a terminal leaflet, while imparipinnate leaves have a single terminal leaflet.

What type of venation is characteristic of most dicots?

Netted or reticulate venation.

What is a leaf sheath?

An expanded leaf base in monocots that partially or completely covers the stem.

What is the midrib in a leaf?

The strong or thick vein that runs through the leaf blade from its base to the apex.