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Chemicals of Life Photosynthesis  - The Leaf Structure ![]()  - The Process  - Pigments  - Photosynthesis Rate  - Photosynthesis Test  - Links Biology Forum Thinkquest Team 22016Andrew Griffiths Tim Sindle Ben Harper |
The leaf is VERY important in photosynthesis. Lets examine some of the features which make it suitable for photosynthesis. Use the diagram as a reference.
The waxy cuticle at the top of the leaf is transparent, allowing light to enter for photosynthesis. It also stops transpiration for happening throught the leaf, other than in the stomata. The upper epidermal cells are also transparent to allow light in to reach the chloroplasts for photosynthesis. The lower epidermis has stomata, which allow gaseous exchange to occur. Gasious exchange being the intake of CO2 and the release of O2, which is essential for photosynthesis. The leaf is thin, and has a very large surface area - making it ideal for diffusion and absorbsion. The larger the surface area, the more sunlight can be absorbed. The leaf is also thin so that the mesophyll cells are closer to the surface - reducing the diffusion distance of CO2 from the surroundings to the mesophyll cells. Vascular Tissue Mesophyll Chloroplasts |