Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a leaf in a plant?
What is the primary function of a leaf in a plant?
- To protect the plant from herbivores.
- To perform photosynthesis and produce food. (correct)
- To absorb water from the soil.
- To provide structural support to the plant.
Which feature of a leaf is most directly responsible for absorbing light energy?
Which feature of a leaf is most directly responsible for absorbing light energy?
- Veins
- Waxy cuticle
- Chloroplasts (correct)
- Stomata
Why is it advantageous for leaves to be thin?
Why is it advantageous for leaves to be thin?
- To provide better structural support against strong winds.
- To allow for quick diffusion of gases like carbon dioxide. (correct)
- To maximize water storage within the leaf.
- To prevent the leaves from overheating in direct sunlight.
How does the waxy cuticle of a leaf aid in its function?
How does the waxy cuticle of a leaf aid in its function?
What is the role of veins in a leaf?
What is the role of veins in a leaf?
Which of the following best describes the function of stomata?
Which of the following best describes the function of stomata?
What is the primary role of palisade mesophyll cells in a leaf?
What is the primary role of palisade mesophyll cells in a leaf?
How do spongy mesophyll cells contribute to the process of photosynthesis?
How do spongy mesophyll cells contribute to the process of photosynthesis?
Why do plants that live in hot, dry environments often have thicker waxy cuticles?
Why do plants that live in hot, dry environments often have thicker waxy cuticles?
Which of the following describes the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
Which of the following describes the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
In what way does carbon dioxide enter the leaf?
In what way does carbon dioxide enter the leaf?
Which of the following leaf structures primarily prevents water loss?
Which of the following leaf structures primarily prevents water loss?
What is transported through the xylem in the veins of a leaf?
What is transported through the xylem in the veins of a leaf?
What is the name of cells containing lots of chloroplast with chlorophyll pigment for absorbing sunlight for photosynthesis?
What is the name of cells containing lots of chloroplast with chlorophyll pigment for absorbing sunlight for photosynthesis?
What is primarily transported through the Pholem in the veins of a leaf?
What is primarily transported through the Pholem in the veins of a leaf?
Based on the description, which of the following plants would likely have the largest leaves?
Based on the description, which of the following plants would likely have the largest leaves?
If a leaf lacked a waxy cuticle, what would be the most likely consequence for the plant?
If a leaf lacked a waxy cuticle, what would be the most likely consequence for the plant?
Which of the following is not a key feature that aids plants in photosynthesis?
Which of the following is not a key feature that aids plants in photosynthesis?
What diffuses out through the stomata?
What diffuses out through the stomata?
Which of the following best explains why leaves are typically green?
Which of the following best explains why leaves are typically green?
Flashcards
What is a stoma?
What is a stoma?
Tiny pores on the leaf surface, primarily on the underside, that facilitate gas exchange (CO2 intake and O2 release) during photosynthesis. They also allow water to escape.
What is the waxy cuticle?
What is the waxy cuticle?
A hydrophobic, protective layer covering the epidermis of leaves, preventing excessive water loss. It is made of waxy lipids.
What is the palisade layer?
What is the palisade layer?
A layer of elongated cells rich in chloroplasts located beneath the upper epidermis. It's the primary site of photosynthesis.
What are Chloroplasts?
What are Chloroplasts?
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What is the main function of a leaf?
What is the main function of a leaf?
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Why are leaves broad and flat?
Why are leaves broad and flat?
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What is the function of veins in a leaf?
What is the function of veins in a leaf?
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What do chloroplasts contain?
What do chloroplasts contain?
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What is the function of the waxy layer?
What is the function of the waxy layer?
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Why are leaves thin?
Why are leaves thin?
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What substances diffuse in/out of the stoma?
What substances diffuse in/out of the stoma?
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What is inside chloroplasts?
What is inside chloroplasts?
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Why is a thick leaf a disadvantage?
Why is a thick leaf a disadvantage?
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Which plants have a thick waxy layer?
Which plants have a thick waxy layer?
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What is the epidermis?
What is the epidermis?
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What is the palisade mesophyll?
What is the palisade mesophyll?
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What is the spongy mesophyll?
What is the spongy mesophyll?
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What is the lower epidermis?
What is the lower epidermis?
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Compare Xylem to Phloem
Compare Xylem to Phloem
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Study Notes
- The purpose of the lesson is to understand the features and structure of a leaf in an ecosystem.
- Key words for the lesson: Stoma, Waxy cuticle, Palisade and Chloroplasts.
- You should be able to describe the key features of a leaf and how they help the functions of the leaf.
- You should be able to recall the structure of a leaf and explain the adaptations of a leaf.
Leaf Function
- The leaf of a plant is an organ.
- The principal job of a leaf is to perform photosynthesis.
- Photosynthesis allows the plant to generate food.
- Leaves have adaptations and features that allows them to perform this job efficiently.
Leaf Features
- Broad, flat leaves give a larger surface area to absorb as much light as possible.
- Veins move water and sugar; carbon dioxide and oxygen.
- Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll to trap sunlight, making the leaf appear green as a side effect.
- A waxy layer is a key feature of the leaf, preventing water loss from the leaf.
- Being thin allows for the fast movement of gases like CO2 within the leaf.
- Being thin helps prevent leaves from being too heavy and falling off.
Leaf Structure
- Cuticle
- Epidermis
- Palisade mesophyll
- Spongy mesophyll
- Stomata
- Vein
- Lower epidermis
- Palisade Mesophyll layer is where photosynthesis occurs due to the large quantity of chloroplasts present.
- Spongy Mesophyll contains air spaces allowing for gas transfer within the leaf.
- Lower epidermis has stomata, which allows gases to transfer in and out.
- Xylem/Phloem transports water, minerals and sugars throughout the leaf.
- Upper epidermis contains the waxy cuticle, which prevents water loss and is transparent for light to pass through.
Stomata
- The stoma (stomata if plural) are holes under the leaf.
- Stomata's role is to allow carbon dioxide to diffuse as a reactant.
- Stomata's role is to allow oxygen and water vapour to diffuse out as products of photosynthesis.
Fun Fact
- One of the largest leaves is a rhubarb plant called the Gunnera manicata.
- Gunnera manicata leaves can be 3.4m long.
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