Describe how the leaf is adapted/ suited to photosynthesis.
Answer:
-It is green in colour/ contain chlorophyll; which traps sunlight energy needed for photosynthesis;
-Has broad and flat lamina; which provides a large surface area for the absorption of carbon (IV) oxide trapping sunlight;
-It has thin lamina; to allow light and carbon (IV) oxide to pass through a short distance to reach the photosynthetic cells;
-It has stomata; to ensure efficient diffusion of respiratory gases in and out of the leaf;
-It contains guard cells; which control opening and closing of stomata; and contain chloroplasts/ chlorophyll to trap light energy/ carry out photosynthesis;
-It has transparent cuticle and epidermis; to allow penetration of light to the palisade cells;
-The palisade cells and mesophyll cells contain large numbers of chloroplasts; located next to the upper epidermis enables them to receive maximum sunlight;
-The mid-rib and veins contain xylem; which transports water and mineral salts to photosynthetic cells; and phloem; which transports manufactured/ photosynthetic materials from photosynthetic cells;
-Spongy mesophyll cells have large air spaces; which allow circulation of air to facilitate gaseous exchange.
-The regular /mosaic arrangement of leaves on the stem minimizes overlapping and overshadowing; so that each leaf receives adequate light;
-Has xylem, parenchyma and sclerenchyma tissues; to support the leaf exposing it to sunlight;