Structure of the leaf

• What are the different levels of organization in plants?

  Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems
• What is the function of the organ system formed by leaves, stems, and roots?

  Transport of substances around the plant
• What is the primary function of leaves?

  Site of photosynthesis
• What do leaves require to make sugars during photosynthesis?

  Carbon dioxide and water
• How does water reach the leaves of a plant?

  Transported by roots and xylem
• What are stomata?

  Little holes for gas exchange
• Where are stomata primarily located on a leaf?

  Scattered through the lower epidermis
• What is the role of spongy mesophyll tissue in leaves?

  Facilitates gas diffusion
• Where does most photosynthesis occur in a leaf?

  Palisade mesophyll layer
• What do palisade cells contain that is essential for photosynthesis?

  Chloroplasts
• What is the function of phloem in plants?

  Transport sugars to the rest of the plant
• What is the main problem that leaves face regarding water?

  Water loss
• How does the xylem contribute to leaf function?

  Brings water up from the roots
• What is the purpose of the waxy cuticle on leaves?

  Reduces water loss
• How do stomata affect water loss in leaves?

  Allow water to diffuse out easily
• What happens to stomata when a plant has plenty of water?

  They open wider for gas exchange
• What occurs to guard cells when a plant is short of water?

  They become flaccid, closing the stomata
• Why do guard cells close at night?

  To conserve water when photosynthesis stops
• Why are most stomata located on the underside of leaves?

  To reduce water evaporation
• What is meristem tissue in plants?

  Plant form of stem cells
• Where is meristem tissue found in plants?

  At the growing tips of roots and shoots
• What can meristem tissue differentiate into?

  Various different cell types
• What video covers the structure and function of root hair cells?

  Active transport video
• What are the main structures involved in the leaf's function in photosynthesis and gas exchange?

  • Stomata: Gas exchange
  • Upper epidermis: Light passage
  • Palisade mesophyll: Photosynthesis
  • Spongy mesophyll: Gas diffusion
  • Phloem: Sugar transport
  • Xylem: Water transport
• How do plants balance carbon dioxide absorption and water loss through stomata?

  • Stomata open for gas exchange
  • Guard cells regulate stomata size
  • Close during water scarcity
  • Open during adequate water supply
• What adaptations do leaves have to minimize water loss?

  • Waxy cuticle: Waterproof layer
  • Stomata: Regulated by guard cells
  • Stomata primarily on lower surface