Structural Suitability of Leaves for Photosynthesis Flashcards
what are mesophytes/mesophytic plants
terrestrial plants which are adapted to neither a particularly dry nor wet environment
how are leaves structurally suitable
most leaves are dorsi-ventrally flattened, providing a large surface area for maximum absorption of light
how do the veins in the leaves aid structurally
the network of veins keeps the lamina flat, exposing the maximum area to light
what do the transparent cuticle and translucent single layer of epidermal cells do
the transparent cuticle and the translucent single layer of epidermal cells allow light to pass through and reach the inner chlorophyll containing cells of the leaf
how do palisade cells help
palisade cells contain a large number of chloroplasts which ensure maximum absorption of light
what do the stomata do
stomata are found on upper and lower surfaces of leaves allowing efficient gaseous exchange
what does the spongy mesophyll do
spongy mesophyll cells have many air spaces allowing for easy circulation of air within the leaf
how does the structure of mesophyll cells help
the mesophyll cells are thin walled allowing for easy diffusion of gases and water
what does the xylem do
xylem vessels in the veins of a leaf allow for transport of water for photosynthesis
what does the phloem do
phloem tissue transports manufactured food away from the leaves
