How are leaves adapted for Photosynthesis

A bubble map presenting the different adaptations that a leaf has for photosynthesis.

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  • How are leaves adapted for photosynthesis
    • They are thin.
      • This provides a short diffusion pathway for carbon dioxide to diffuse to the mesophyll and palisade cells.
    • They have a transparent epidermis.
      • This allows light to easily pass through.
    • They contain chlorophyll and other pigments.
      • These absorb energy from different parts of the spectrum.
    • They have lots of stomata (pores in the lower epidermis).
      • These allow carbon dioxide in and oxygen out. Guard cells control whether they are open or closed.
    • They have tightly packed cells in the upper palisade layer.
      • This means more of these cells can fit in along the layer.
    • They are broad and flat in shape.
      • This gives a large surface area, to absorb as much light as possible.
    • Their veins contain vascular bundles.
      • These form a network that supports the leaf blade. They also carry water from the root to the leaf, and carry soluble sugars away.
    • There are air spaces inside of the leaf.
      • This gives a large surface area to volume ratios, which allows maximum absorption of gases.
    • There are air spaces within the spongy mesophyll layer.
      • This allows carbon dioxide to diffuse from the stomata to the palisade cells.
    • The upper palisade layer contains the most chloroplasts.
      • Because this layer receives the most light.

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