1.5-plants and photosynthesis

• waxy cuticle

  • waterproof to reduce water loss
  • transparent allowing light to reach palisade layer
• upper epidermis

  • transparent to allow light to reach palisade layer
• palisade layer

  • Receives the most light energy so greater concentration of chloroplasts for photosynthesis
• spongy layer

  • Contains airspaces to allow diffusion of carbon dioxide to chloroplasts in the palisade layer for photosynthesis
  • also contains some chloroplasts
• lower epidermis

  • contains many stomata to allow gas exchange
• stomata

  • pores found in the lower epidermis that allow gas exchange
• guard cells

  • Surround the stomata
  • Change shape to control the size of the stomatal pore enabling the regulation of water loss by the plant
• veins

  • Contain xylem and phloem
  • Form a large network to deliver water and remove glucose