Leaf structure

• How do broad leaves help with photosynthesis?


  Broad+flat -> large surface area to absorb as much sunlight
• How do thin leaves help with photosynthesis?


  CO2 enters on lower surface of leaf + thin leaf-> short diffusion pathway for CO2 to enter+ reach cells
• How do veins help with photosynthesis?


  Veins carry water to cells + glucose away
• Describe the waxy cuticles


  Top side is waxy-> reduces water loss + evaporation
• What happens at the palisade mesophyll?


  Most of photosynthesis takes place so packed with chloroplasts
• Describe the function of the lower epidermis

  Contains air gaps (stomata) to allow gases to diffuse in/out
• What does the spongy mesophyll do?


  Has air gaps to allow CO2, Oxygen + Water Vapour to diffuse easily
• Describe the xylem


  Vessel in which water + mineral ions are transported
• Describe the phloem 


  Vessel in which sucrose is transported
• Name some adaptations that some plants have in extreme environments

  -Small leaves/spines (reduces surface area->reduce water loss)

  -Fewer stomata (reduces water loss from evaporation)

  -Thick fleshy stem (stores water)

  -Curled leaves/hairs on surface ( reduces air flow-> traps water vapour near surface of leaf +water loss)

  -Thick waxy cuticles (reduces water loss by evaporation)

  -Stomata sunken in pits ( so it's lower than the surface of the leaf-> reduces air flow ->reduces water loss)
• What do some plants live in?

  Extreme conditions
• What are some adaptations of plants living in extreme conditions?

  • Small leaves or spines
  • Curled leaves or hairs on surfaces
  • Thick waxy cuticles
  • Thick fleshy stems
  • Fewer stomata
  • Stomata sunken in pits
• How do small leaves or spines help plants?

  They reduce surface area and water loss
• What is the function of curled leaves or hairs on surfaces?

  They reduce air flow and trap moisture
• What do thick waxy cuticles do for plants?

  They reduce water loss by evaporation
• How do thick fleshy stems benefit plants?

  They store water for dry conditions
• What is the advantage of having fewer stomata?

  It reduces water loss through transpiration
• Why are stomata sometimes sunken in pits?

  To reduce air flow and water loss
• What are the benefits of adaptations in plants living in extreme conditions?

  • Minimized water loss
  • Enhanced survival in harsh environments
  • Efficient resource use
  • Improved resilience to temperature extremes
• What is the role of small leaves or spines in water conservation?

  They reduce surface area
• How do curled leaves or hairs affect moisture retention?

  They trap moisture near the leaf surface
• What is the purpose of thick fleshy stems in plants?

  To store water
• How do fewer stomata help in extreme conditions?

  They minimize water loss
• How do adaptations like thick waxy cuticles and fewer stomata work together?

  They collectively reduce water loss
• What do thick fleshy stems store?

  Water
• What is the effect of stomata being sunken in pits?

  It reduces water loss
• How do adaptations of plants in extreme conditions contribute to their survival?

  They help minimize water loss and maximize resource use
• What is the function of hairs on leaf surfaces?

  To trap moisture
• Why do plants with thick waxy cuticles thrive in dry environments?

  They prevent excessive water loss
• What do fewer stomata lead to in plants?

  Reduced water loss
• How do adaptations like thick fleshy stems help during droughts?

  They provide a water reserve
• How do adaptations in plants contribute to their overall fitness in extreme conditions?

  They enhance survival and reproductive success