Plant Nutrition - Leaf structure

Biology

What is the basic adaptations of a leaf?

• Leaves have large surface areas to absorb sunlight.

•  Leaves are thin. This helps the carbon dioxide to diffuse quickly and the sunlight to penetrate easily.

Waxy cuticle

• The waxy cuticle of the leaf prevents evaporation of the water.

Upper and lower epidermis

• The upper and lower epidermis protect the inner layers of the leaf.

Mesophyll layers

• The mesophyll layers form the middle layers and include the palisade mesophyll and the spongy mesophyll.

Palisade mesophyll and spongy mesophyll

• The cells of the palisade mesophyll are packed closely together while the cells of the spongy mesophyll are loosely arranged with air spaces.

Stomata

• Stomata are minute openings present on the leaf. Guard cells lie on each side of the stoma. The opening and closing of the stomata are controlled by the guard cells.

• Stomata control the diffusion of gases in and out of the leaf. They also control the movement of water vapour out of the leaf.

Vascular bundles

• The vascular bundles run through the mesophyll and carry water and food to and from the leaf.