Questions
Q1.
Part of leaf Function
Waxy cuticle Allows light to reach the chloroplast in the mesophyll cells
(because it is transparent). It also prevents direct
evaporation of water from the leaf cells to the atmosphere.
Helps protect the leaf for infections.
Upper and lower epidermis Allows efficient diffusion of carbon dioxide into the leaf, for
use mesophyll cells for photosynthesis. Waste oxygen
diffuses out of the leaf during the day. At night gas exchange
between the leaf and atmosphere stops. This helps the plant
conserve water.
Palisade mesophyll layer Most photosynthesis occurs in this layer as most light rays
are captured here.
Spongy mesophyll layer allow for the interchange of gases (CO2) that are
needed for photosynthesis.
Stomata Stomata have two main functions, namely they allow for
gas exchange acting as an entryway for carbon dioxide
(CO2) and releasing the Oxygen (O2) that we breath. The
other main function is regulating water movement
through transpiration
Guard cells Gas exchange in the leaf
Q2. The diagram shows part of a cross-section of a plant leaf.
