Leaf Structure and Function

What is the function of the cuticle?

What is the role of the upper epidermis?

What is the main function of the palisade mesophyll?

What is the function of the spongy mesophyll?

What is the function of the vascular bundle?

What is the main function of the lower epidermis?

What is the function of stomata?

The cuticle is made of cellulose.

The upper epidermis contains chloroplasts.

The palisade mesophyll cells are loosely packed.

The spongy mesophyll cells contain many chloroplasts.

The vascular bundle is responsible for transporting sugars to the roots.

The lower epidermis is responsible for the absorption of water.

Stomata are typically open during the day.

Guard cells control the opening and closing of the stomata.

Leaf Structure

Cuticle: Made of wax, waterproofing the leaf, secreted by the upper epidermis cells.
Upper epidermis: Thin and transparent, allowing light to pass through; no chloroplasts present; acts as a barrier to disease organisms.
Palisade mesophyll: Main region for photosynthesis; cells are columnar and packed with chloroplasts to trap light energy; receive CO2 by diffusion from air spaces in the spongy mesophyll.
Spongy mesophyll: Cells are more spherical and loosely packed; contain chloroplasts, but not as many as in palisade cells; air spaces between cells allow gas exchange (CO2 to cells, O2 from cells during photosynthesis).
Vascular bundle (leaf vein): Made of xylem and phloem; xylem vessels bring water and minerals to the leaf; phloem vessels transport sugars and amino acids away (translocation).
Lower epidermis: Acts as a protective layer; stomata are present to regulate water loss (transpiration); site of gaseous exchange into and out of the leaf.
Stomata: Each stoma is surrounded by a pair of guard cells; guard cells control whether the stoma is open or closed; water vapor passes out during transpiration; CO2 diffuses in and O2 diffuses out during photosynthesis.

This quiz explores the various components of leaf structure, including the cuticle, epidermis, mesophyll, and vascular bundles. Understand how each part contributes to photosynthesis and gas exchange. Test your knowledge on the essential functions and organization of leaves in plants.