plant cell organisation

how are spongy mesophyll adapted for their function?

lots of air gaps to allow CO₂ to diffuse through the cell to the palisade mesophyll layer

what happens int he palisade mesophyll layer and how are is adapated for this function?

this is where most (if not all) photosynthesis happens, so there are a lot of chloroplasts and chlorophyll to absorb light effectively.

why is the upper epidermis almost transparent?

to allow sunlight through to the lower layers for photosynthesis

how does the leaf reduce water loss?

• it has a waxy cuticle on the top of th leaf, made of waterproof lipids

• stomata stay open for as little tie as possible and close during hot or dry conditions to minimize transpiration.

what does it mean to say the guard cells are turgid?

there is a larger gap between each stomata, meaning more CO₂ can diffuse in.

what does it mean to say the guard cells are flaccid?

the stomata is closed, meaning no CO₂ can diffuse in or out, this means the plant can conserve water.

why are the guard cells sensitive to light?

so the guard cells clos eat night when photosynthesis isn’t taking place.

Why are the stomata on the underside of the leaf?

It is more shaded and cooler, meaning less water evaporates

what is the meristem tissue?

Plant stem cells

where is the meristem tissue found?

at the growing tips of roots and shoots