Adaptations Of Leaves For Photosynthesis

How The External Structures Of A Leaf Are Adapted To Maximize Photosynthesis

Visible features/structures How the feature/structure relates to

photosynthesis

Colour (most leaves are green) Leaves are usually green because they contain
chlorophyll, a chemical that captures sunlight

Shape and size (surface area) Leaves are generally flat with a large surface
area to absorb the maximum amounts of
sunlight and carbon dioxide

Thickness Leaves are quite thin (usually less than 1mm

thick) if you look at them from the side. This
is to allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to
diffuse into and out of the leaf easily

Veins Because leaves are thin, the veins help to

support the leaf. They also carry substances
to and from the cells in the leaves

Pores (stomata) The top and bottom surfaces of leaves contain

tiny pores called stomata. There are more
stomata on the underside of leaves. They
 allow gases to pass into and out of the leaf

How the internal structures of a leaf are adapted to maximise photosynthesis

Internal structure Description and functional role

Waxy cuticle A waxy waterproof layer that protects the leaf

and allows light through for photosynthesis;
also prevents water loss from the surface of
the leaf

Upper epidermis Thin transparent cells that do not contain

chlorophyll but allow light to pass through,
act like skin to protect the leaf

Palisade layer The tightly packed layer of long, thin palisade

cells packed with chloroplasts to absorb light;
these cells are most active in photosynthesis

Spongy layer A layer of more rounded cells, loosely

arranged with many air spaces between them
 to allow diffusion of gases. Contains some
chloroplasts

Leaf vein (vascular bundle) Made from xylem and phloem cells. Xylem
transports water and minerals into the leaf.
Phloem transports food substances from the
leaf to other parts of the plant

Lower epidermis Protects the leaf and contains stomata;

controls water movement into and out of the
leaf; where most gases move into and out of
the leaf

Stomata Pores that allow gases to move into and out of

the leaf. Guard cells can open or close
stomata to prevent water loss from the leaf