Plant Tissues

Waxy cuticle

Protective layer on the top of the leaf to prevent water from evaporating

Upper Epidermis

Thin + transparent to allow light to enter palisade mesophyll layer underneath

Palisade Mesophyll

Column shaped cells that are tightly packed with chloroplasts to absorb more light, maximizing photosynthesis

Spongy Mesophyll

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

Lower Epidermis

Contains guard cells and stomata

Lower Epidermis

Contains guard cells and stomata

Vascular bundle

Contains xylem and phloem to transport substances to and from the leaf

How does a large surface area help a leaf

Increased surface area for the diffusion of carbon dioxide and absorption of light for photosynthesis

How does being thin help a leaf

Allows carbon dioxide to diffuse to palisade mesophyll cells quickly

How does chlorophyl help a leaf

Absorbs light energy so that photosynthesis can take place

How does a network of veins help a leaf

Allows the transport of water to the cells of the leaf and carbohydrates from the leaf for photosynthesis (water for photosynthesis, carbohydrates as a product of photosynthesis)

How do stomata help a leaf?

Allows carbon dioxide to diffuse into the leaf and oxygen to diffuse out

How does the thin epidermis help a leaf?

Allows more light to reach the palisade cells

How does a thin cuticle made of wax help a leaf?

Protects the leaf without blocking sunlight

How does the palisade layer at the top of the leaf help a leaf?

Maximises the absorption of light because it will hit chloroplasts in the cells directly

How do air spaces in the spongy layer help a leaf?

Air spaces allow carbon dioxide to diffuse through the leaf, increasing the surface area

How do vascular bundles help a leaf?

Thick cell walls of the tissue in the bundles help to support the steam and leaf