Gas exchange in plants

• What is the function of the cuticle in leaves?

  Reduces water loss
• Why is the cuticle transparent?

  To enable light to penetrate to mesophyll
• What is the role of the upper and lower epidermis in leaves?

  Protection of tissue layers inside leaf
• Why are the epidermis layers transparent?

  To enable light to penetrate
• What is the primary function of the palisade mesophyll?

  Maximize absorption of light
• Why does the palisade mesophyll have a large number of chloroplasts?

  To increase absorption of light
• What is the function of the spongy mesophyll?

  Gas exchange within the leaf
• How do spongy mesophyll cells facilitate gas exchange?

  By relying on diffusion through air spaces
• What is the role of air spaces in leaves?

  Gas exchange for respiration and photosynthesis
• What happens to water vapor in the air spaces?

  Evaporates to maintain water transport
• What is the function of xylem in plants?

  Transport of water and ions
• What does phloem transport in plants?

  Carbon compounds like sucrose and amino acids
• What is the role of bundle sheath cells?

  Support and protection to vascular bundles
• How do stomatal pores function in leaves?

  Site of gas exchange with the environment
• What happens to water vapor when stomata are open?

  It is lost from the stomata
• What is the function of guard cells?

  Control the opening and closing of stomata
• What is the primary function of chloroplasts?

  Site of photosynthesis
• How are chloroplasts involved in stomatal function?

  Involved in the mechanism for opening and closing
• How do dicot leaves maximize light absorption during the day?

  • Change position to face light
  • Upper surface at right angles to light
• How do chloroplasts adjust to maximize light absorption?

  • Change orientation in cells
  • Allow more light to pass through