5A_Photosynthesis

(Work in progress. thank you!)

What features do you think enables to leaves to be so efficient at photosynthesis?


 * Name || Feature || Function ||
 * stomata || they are openings in the leaf || to allow gaseous exchange ||
 * || they are generally found at the lower epidermis || to cut down water loss due to transpiration ||
 * spongy mesophyll || they are at the bottom of the cell ||  ||
 * || they are spongy and irregular shaped with many intercellular air spaces in beween ||  ||
 * the leaf is thin || large surface area to volume ratio || large surface area of absorption of sunlight ||
 * ||  || air that enters at the bottom of the leaf will still be able to reach the palisade cells at the top ||
 * veins and stem || vascular bundle that props the leaf up (main rib); rigidity and support || helps to expose the large surface area to the maximum amount of sunlight ||
 * vascular bundle || xylem transports water (note: usually forms first) || can bring it very quickly from the roots to the leaf (otherwise we would have to wait for the dew to enter the stomata via transpiration - slow) ||
 * || phloem transports sucrose || can draw the sucrose/glucose away very quickly so that the water potential doesn't increase too much ||
 * cuticles || focuses the sunlight (lens) || so that more light will hit the cells (chlorophylls) ||
 * epidermis || transparent ||  ||