increases surface area for the diffusion of carbon dioxide and absorption of light for photosynthesis
thin
allows carbon dioxide to diffuse to palisade mesophyll cells quickly
chlorophyll
absorbs light energy so that photosynthesis can take place
network of veins
allows the transport of water to the cells of the leaf and carbohydrates from the leaf for photosynthesis (water for photosynthesis, carbohydrates as a product of photosynthesis)
stomata
allows carbon dioxide to diffuse into the leaf and oxygen to diffuse out
thin & transparent epidermis
allows more light to reach the palisade cells
thin waxy cuticle
to protect the leaf without blocking sunlight
palisade cell layer at top of leaf
maximises the absorption of light as it will hit chloroplasts in the cells directly
spongy layer
air spaces allow carbon dioxide to diffuse through the leaf, increasing the surface area
vascular bundles
thick cell walls of the tissue in the bundles help to support the stem and leaf
