Leaves

Leaves

Leaves

  • Chlorophyll is found precisely in the chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells, which are above the ground. Most chloroplasts are found in leaves.
  • Chlorophyll absorbs energy for the plant in the form of sunlight. It is essential for photosynthesis because without this energy Carbon dioxide and water would not react together to make glucose.
  • The layers of a leaf which contain air spaces are the spongy mesophyll cells. The layer of a leaf which contain small holes called stomata is the lower epidermis. The layers of a leaf which contain most chlorophyll are the palisade layer. The layers of a leaf, which makes a layer of wax, are the upper and lower epidermis. The layer of a leaf which photosynthesis happens most in is the palisade layer. The layers of a leaf which protects the mesophyll layer are the lower and upper epidermis.
  • Plenty of sunshine is able to reach the palisade layer because it has a large surface area, and it is at the top of the leaf, facing the sunlight. The palisade is just below the upper epidermis so sunlight can reach the chloroplasts easily.
  • Plenty of carbon dioxide is provided to the palisade layer because the leaf has a large surface area and a large number of stomata, through which the carbon dioxide enters the leaf. Because the leaf is so thin, the carbon dioxide quickly diffuses through the air spaces of the spongy mesophyll layer into the palisade cells.
  • Plenty of water is provided to the palisade layer by the complex system of long tubes called xylem vessels which run from the roots of the plant, through the stem and into the leaf. Branches of xylem vessels run close to every part of the leaf, so every palisade cell has a constant supply of water.
  • The waxy cuticle prevents water from escaping from the plant and is produced by both the lower and upper epidermis.
Plant Biology

Growth and Reproduction

Growth and Reproduction

Plant Biology

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis

Plant Biology

Plants

Plant Organs