Leaf Structure and Function Quiz

What is the function of the cuticle?

What is the primary function of the upper epidermis?

The palisade mesophyll is responsible for absorbing water from the soil.

What is the primary function of the spongy mesophyll?

What is the role of the vascular bundle?

What is the primary role of the lower epidermis?

What is the function of the stomata?

What is the role of guard cells?

Leaf Structure

Cuticle:
- Made of wax, waterproofing the leaf
- Secreted by cells of the upper epidermis
Upper Epidermis:
- Thin and transparent, allowing light to pass through
- Contains no chloroplasts
- Acts as a barrier to disease organisms
Palisade Mesophyll:
- Main region for photosynthesis
- Cells are column-shaped and densely packed with chloroplasts
- Capture light energy
- Receive carbon dioxide from air spaces from the spongy mesophyll
Spongy Mesophyll:
- Cells are more rounded and loosely packed
- Contain chloroplasts, but fewer than palisade cells
- Contain air spaces that allow for gas exchange (carbon dioxide in, oxygen out)
Vascular Bundle:
- A leaf vein made of xylem and phloem
- Xylem transports water and minerals to the leaf
- Phloem transports sugars and amino acids away
Lower Epidermis:
- Acts as a protective layer
- Contains stomata (pores) for regulating water loss (transpiration) and gas exchange
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
- Carbon dioxide enters and oxygen exits during photosynthesis

Test your understanding of leaf structure and its various components like the cuticle, epidermis, mesophyll, and vascular bundles. This quiz covers their functions in processes such as photosynthesis and gas exchange. Enhance your knowledge of plant biology through this informative assessment.