Photosynthesis

• What are the different levels of organization in plants?

  similar cells -> different tissues -> organs, and organs -> organ systems.
• What is the function of the organ system formed by leaves, stems, and roots?

  Its function is the transport of substances around the plant.
• What is the primary function of leaves?

  Leaves are the site of photosynthesis.
• What do leaves require for photosynthesis?

  Leaves require carbon dioxide and water to make sugars.
• How is water transported to the leaves?

  Water is transported to the leaves by the roots and xylem.
• How does carbon dioxide enter the leaf?

  Carbon dioxide diffuses directly into the leaf through stomata.
• What are stomata?

  Stomata are small holes on the leaf surface that allow gas exchange.
• Where are stomata primarily located on the leaf?

  Stomata are primarily scattered through the lower epidermis of the leaf.
• What is the role of spongy mesophyll tissue in the leaf?

  Spongy mesophyll tissue allows gas to easily diffuse through the leaf.
• Where does most photosynthesis occur in the leaf?

  Most photosynthesis occurs in the palisade mesophyll layer.
• What are chloroplasts?

  Chloroplasts are organelles packed in palisade cells that perform photosynthesis.
• What is the function of phloem in the plant?

  Phloem carries sugar molecules to the rest of the plant.
• What is the main problem that leaves face regarding water?

  The main problem is water loss through evaporation.
• How does the waxy cuticle help the leaf?

  The waxy cuticle reduces water loss by acting as a waterproof layer.
• How do guard cells regulate stomata?

  Guard cells control the size of the stomatal gap based on water availability.
• What happens to guard cells when the plant has lots of water?

  Guard cells become turgid, making the stomatal gap larger.
• What occurs to guard cells when the plant is short of water?

  Guard cells lose water and become flaccid, closing the stomata.
• Why do guard cells close at night?

  Guard cells close at night when photosynthesis isn't taking place.
• Why are most stomata located on the underside of leaves?

  Most stomata are on the underside to reduce water evaporation due to shading.
• What is meristem tissue in plants?

  Meristem tissue is the plant form of stem cells found at growing tips.
• What can meristem tissue differentiate into?

  Meristem tissue can differentiate into various cell types for plant growth.
• What are the key functions of the leaf structure?

  • Site of photosynthesis
  • Gas exchange through stomata
  • Transport of water and sugars
  • Regulation of water loss
• What adaptations do leaves have to balance carbon dioxide absorption and water loss?

  • Stomata open for short times
  • Guard cells regulate stomatal opening
  • Waxy cuticle prevents water loss
  • Stomata primarily on the underside for shading
• What are the main components of the leaf's internal structure?

  • Upper epidermis (transparent)
  • Palisade mesophyll (photosynthesis)
  • Spongy mesophyll (gas diffusion)
  • Lower epidermis (stomata)
  • Phloem (sugar transport)
  • Xylem (water transport)