Specialised Cells

1) Palisade leaf cells are adapted for Photosynthesis

• Packed with chloroplasts for photosythesis. More of them are crammed at the top of the cell - so they're nearer the light. 
• Tall shape means a lot of surface area exposed down the side for absorbing CO2, from the air in the leaf. 
• Thin shape means that you can pack loads of them in at the top of a leaf. Palisade leaf cells are grouped together at the top of the leaf where most of the photosynthesis happens. 

2) Guard cells are adapted to open and close pores

• Special kidney shape which opens and closes the stomata (pores) in a leaf. 
• When the plant has lots of water the guard cells fill with it and go plump and turgid. This makes the stomata open so gases can be exchanged for photosynthesis. 
• When the plant is short of water, the guard cells lose water and become flaccid, making the stomata close. This helps stop too much water vapour escaping. 
• Thin outer…