Summary: Leaf Adaptations

Question 1

Adaptations for light absorption:

Thin Leaves:

Cuticle:

Epidermis:

Palisade Mesophyll:

Answer 1

Thin Leaves: short distance between upper and lower surfaces, so cells receive light. Large surface area

Cuticle: Thin and transparent, so it reduces water loss by evaporation but still allows light through

Epidermis: Lacks chloroplast so transparent

Palisade Mesophyll: Many chloroplasts rich in chlorophyll to absorb light

Question 2

Adaptations for Gas exchange:

Intercellular Air Spaces:

Stomata:

Guard cells:

Answer 2

Intercellular Air Spaces: These spaces in spongy mesophyll layer allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to leave photosynthesising cells.

Stomata: Allow carbon dioxide and oxygen enter and leave leaf by diffusion

Guard cells: regulate opening and closing of stomata, often open during day and close at night