The Leaf

• Waxy cuticle - waterproof layer to prevent evaporation of water out of the leaf
• Upper epidermis - transparent layer of cells
• Palisade cells - packed with chloroplast for photosynthesis
• Spongy mesophyll cells - contain air spaces to allow CO2 to diffuse more quickly to the palisade cells
• Lower epidermis - contains stomata
• Stomata - Pores to allow CO2 to diffuse into the leaf for photosynthesis
• Guard cell - Open and close the stomata
• The leaf has a transparent upper epidermis to let light through to the palisade layer
• The guard cells control if the stomata is open or closed
• Mesophyll cells have large surface areas to increase the rate of gas exchange between the plant and its surroundings.
• Palisade cells are packed with chloroplasts, which absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.