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leaf structure and function - Coggle Diagram
leaf structure and function
cuticle
waxy layer
transparent and thin
allows maximum light penetration
prevents water loss by evaporation
upper epidermis
protective layer of cells that produces the cuticle
transparent and thin
allows maximum light penetration
palisade mesophyll
cells containing large numbers of chloroplasts for photosynthesis
rod shaped cells that are upright and elongated
are tightly packed together in order to increase the surface area for light absorption
are near the palisade cell surface to maximize light absorption and to reduce the distance carbon dioxide and oxygen have to diffuse.
spongy mesophyll
are found in the lower part of the leaf
contain chloroplasts
have large air spaces between them that allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to diffuse between them
air spaces gives the cells a large surface area to maximize the diffusion of carbon dioxide in and oxygen out
vein
consists of xylem and phloem vessels
vessels transport water to the chloroplasts in the mesophyll tissues for photosynthesis
vessels transport the sugar to the rest of the plant tissues to be used as an energy souce
lower epidermis
protective layer of cells
contains pores called stomata that allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to move in and out of the plant
stomata
tiny pores surrounded by a pair of sausage paired guard cells
change shape in order to close pores
closing the stomata prevents water loss but limits the diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen in and out of the cell