Leaf adaptations

• Leaf adaptations


  • Upper epidermis
  • Palisade mesophyll
  • Chloroplast
  • Spongy mesophyll
  • Air spaces
  • Guard cells
  • Lower epidermis
  • Stomata
• Leaves are broad, giving them a larger surface area for light to fall on
• Leaves are thin, so diffusion distances for gases are short
• Chlorophyll in chloroplasts absorb light
• Transport in leaves


  1. Xylem brings water

  2. Phloem transfers food
• Air spaces allow carbon dioxide in the cell and oxygen to leave by diffusion
• Stomata regulation


  Guard cells open and close stomata to regulate gas exchange