Leaf Cross Section Vocabulary Quiz

Study Notes

Leaf Cross Section Diagram

Cuticle: A waxy, waterproof layer that protects the leaf's surface, creating a barrier over the epidermis to reduce water loss.
Epidermis: Composed of a single layer of tightly packed cells that provide protection and may contain additional structures like stomata.
Mesophyll: The tissue found between the upper and lower epidermis, primarily responsible for photosynthesis due to its high chloroplast content.
Palisade Mesophyll: A layer of elongated, tightly-packed cells located just beneath the upper epidermis, optimizing light absorption for photosynthesis.
Bundle Sheath: A protective layer of tightly-packed cells that surrounds each vascular bundle, providing support and regulating the flow of nutrients.
Xylem: Tissue responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant; critical for photosynthetic processes.
Phloem: Tissue that transports sugars and nutrients produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
Vascular Bundle: Structural unit within the plant stem that includes xylem and phloem tissues; forms the visible veins in leaves, facilitating nutrient transport.
Spongy Mesophyll: Composed of round cells with ample air spaces, located below the palisade mesophyll; aids in gas exchange and supports photosynthesis.
Guard Cell: Specialized cells in the epidermis that regulate the opening and closing of stomata, controlling water loss and gas exchange.
Stoma: Microscopic openings formed by a pair of guard cells in the epidermis, allowing for the exchange of gases (CO2, O2) between the leaf and the atmosphere.

Description

Test your knowledge of important terms related to the leaf cross section. This quiz covers definitions of key components such as cuticle, epidermis, and mesophyll. Enhance your understanding of plant anatomy and photosynthesis processes.