How are the leaves of higher plants adapted to their functions?
- Broad and flattened lamina to increase surface area for absorption of light
- Thin blade to reduce distance for diffusion of gases and penetration of light waves
- Transparent epidermis and cuticle to allow light to penetrate to tissues
- Cuticle layer absent on stomata to allow for gaseous exchange
- One-cell thick epidermal layer to reduce the distance over which sunlight penetrates
- Palisade cells have numerous chloroplasts containing chlorophyll to trap maximum amounts of light energy
- Have stomata on the epidermis to allow for gaseous exchange and control of water loss through transpiration
- Palisade layer have elongated cells located at right angles to the leaf surface for maximum absorption of light energy
- Spongy mesophyll consists of spherical and loosely-packed cells; to create air spaces; which communicate with the atmosphere through stomata for purposes of gaseous exchange and control of water loss
- Xylem for movement of water and dissolved mineral salts
- Phloem for translocation of manufactured food.
veins have conducting tissues: