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Leaf Structure and Adptation For Photosynthesis (Notes)

Leaves have several external and internal adaptations that allow them to efficiently carry out photosynthesis. Externally, leaves are usually green, broad and flat with veins to maximize sunlight absorption and facilitate gas exchange. Internally, leaves have layers like the palisade and spongy mesophyll that contain chloroplasts to absorb sunlight, and stomata surrounded by guard cells to regulate the intake of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen. The adaptations enhance photosynthesis by optimizing light capture, gas diffusion, and prevention of water loss.

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Ravindra Persaud 9A
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69 views

Leaf Structure and Adptation For Photosynthesis (Notes)

Leaves have several external and internal adaptations that allow them to efficiently carry out photosynthesis. Externally, leaves are usually green, broad and flat with veins to maximize sunlight absorption and facilitate gas exchange. Internally, leaves have layers like the palisade and spongy mesophyll that contain chloroplasts to absorb sunlight, and stomata surrounded by guard cells to regulate the intake of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen. The adaptations enhance photosynthesis by optimizing light capture, gas diffusion, and prevention of water loss.

Uploaded by

Ravindra Persaud 9A
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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NOTES

Biology
Grade: 10
Topic: Leaf Structure and Adaptation for Photosynthesis

Leaves are plant organs adapted to carry out photosynthesis. Leaf structures are well suited both
externally and internally to carry out photosynthesis as efficiently as possible. A typical leaf like
that of the hibiscus is green with a large thin flat surface called the lamina. The petiole or leaf
stalk attaches the leaf to the stem. Extending from the petiole is the midrib which contains the
main vein. Minor veins branch from the main vein all over the lamina.

External Adaptations for Photosynthesis


Visible feature/structure How feature/structure relates to photosynthesis
Colour (most leaves are Most leaves are green because they contain chlorophyll, which absorbs
green) sunlight.
Shape and size Leaves are generally broad and flat with a large surface area to absorb
maximum amount of sunlight and carbon dioxide.
Thin Leaves are quite thin, to allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to diffuse into
and out of the leaf easily.
Veins The veins help to support the leaf, they are transport tissues which carry
water and mineral ions throughout the leaf and carry sugars and amino
acids out from the leaf.
Position They lie at 90° to the sunlight and are spaced around the stem to catch as
much light as possible.
Internal Structures of a Leaf

Internal Adaptations of Leaf for Photosynthesis


Cuticle: A waxy waterproof layer found on the upper
and lower epidermis, which protects the leaf and
prevents water loss from the surface of the leaf, as well
as allow light to pass through.
Upper Epidermis: A single layer of cells that are
transparent and contain no chloroplast allowing light to
pass straight through, act like a skin to protect the leaf.
Palisade Layer: Tightly packed layer of long, thin
palisade cells which contain chloroplasts to absorb sunlight. This is where most of the
photosynthesis takes place.
Spongy Layer: This layer consists of irregularly shaped cells with large air spaces between them
allowing carbon dioxide to diffuse to all the mesophyll cells and oxygen to diffuse away. These
cells contain some chloroplast but not as many as the palisade mesophyll.
Vein (Vascular Bundle): The vein contains tubes called the xylem and phloem. The xylem
brings water and salts to the leaf for photosynthesis. The phloem transports the dissolved foods
away.
Lower Epidermis: This layer contains lots of tiny holes or pores called stomata at regular
intervals. These allow gases to diffuse in and out of the leaf.

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Stomata: Tiny pores most numerous on the lower epidermis, allow carbon dioxide to diffuse to
all the mesophyll cells and oxygen to diffuse out. Each stoma is surrounded by a pair of guard
cells, which opens and close the stomata to prevent water loss.

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