1.5.3

Leaves

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Leaves in Photosynthesis

Leaves have some key adaptations to make sure that they photosynthesise efficiently.

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The waxy cuticle

  • The waxy cuticle is the waterproof top layer of the leaf.
    • It prevents water from escaping from the uppermost surface.
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The stoma

  • The stoma are open pores which allow gas exchange with the environment.
  • They can close when water is low to make sure that little is lost, meaning photosynthesis can still happen.
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The spongy mesophyll

  • The spongy mesophyll is a layer of cells with air spaces so that gases can diffuse in and around the leaf.
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The palisade layer

  • The palisade layer is a layer of tightly packed cells that are filled with chloroplasts.
  • This makes sure that almost all light is absorbed and little light can pass through.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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