Leaf adaptions

Question 1

How is the upper epidermis adapted for photosynthesis

Answer 1

-Upper Epidermis, transparent layer of cells to let the light through

Question 2

How is the mesophyll adapted for photosynthesis

Answer 2

-Mesophyll, vascular bundles with xylem to transport water to the leaf

Question 3

What are the adaptions of the structure of the leave for photosynthesis

Answer 3

-The leaf thin to reduce distance for carbon dioxide diffusion
-Underside of the leaf has lots of stomata to increase carbon dioxide diffusion, guard cells which will open the stomata so that carbon dioxide can diffuse into the leaf

Question 4

What are the adaptions of the spongy mesophyll and palisade mesophyll for photosynthesis

Answer 4

-Spongy mesophyll layer- lots of air spaces to increase the surface area for more diffusion of carbon dioxide
-Palisade mesophyll- Densely packed with many chloropast for more absorbtion of light
Waxy cuticle- waterproof layer to prevent water loss
-no stomata were evaporation is highest to reduce water loss for photosynthesis

Question 5

How does respriation occour in a plant

Answer 5

The leaf will both respire and photosynthesise. Respriation produces carbon dioxide as metabolic waste and photosynthesis produces oxygen as metabolic waste. so during the day photosynthesis outweighs respriation so the overall movement of gases is
-Carbon dioxide from outside to inside of the leaf via the stomata by diffusion from higher to lower concentration
-Oxygen diffuses from inside of the leaf diffuses out via the stomata from higher to lower concentration

Question 6

What are limiting factors for photosynthesis

Answer 6

-Light intensity
-Carbon dioxide concentration
-Tempreture