Leaf and gas exchange

Learning objectives:
•Explain how the structure of the leaf is adapted for
gas exchange
•Describe the role of stomata in gas exchange
•Understand the origin of carbon dioxide and
oxygen as waste products of metabolism and their
loss from the stomata of a leaf
•Understand the role of diffusion in gas exchange
•Understand gas exchange (of carbon dioxide and
oxygen) in relation to respiration and
photosynthesis
•Understand that respiration continues during the
day and night, but that the net exchange of carbon
dioxide and oxygen depends on the intensity of light
 Leaf and gas exchange

Task 1: What gases are exchanged by diffusion at the

leaf through the stomata? In what direction are these
gases exchanged?
 Leaf and gas exchange

In a leaf oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged both in AND

out of the leaf.

In the light, plants carry

out photosynthesis. This
requires an input of carbon
dioxide and an output of
oxygen.

However, plants (being

living organisms) also
respire. This requires an
input of oxygen and an
output of carbon dioxide.
Leaf and gas exchange
DAY

Task 2: What is the overall (net)

exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen?
Leaf and gas exchange
NIGHT

Task 3: What is the overall (net)

exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen?
Leaf and gas exchange

Task 4: How is the leaf adapted for gas exchange by

diffusion?
(TIP: Think back to the alveoli – the human site of gas exchange)
 Leaf and gas exchange

Task 4: How is the leaf adapted for gas exchange by

diffusion?
(TIP: Think back to the alveoli – the human site of gas exchange)

•Stomata/guard cells - Allow exchange of CO2 and O2

•Leaf shape is thin which increases rate of diffusion
•Spongy mesophyll cells have a large surface area and moist
surfaces
•Air spaces between spongy mesophyll cells increase the surface
area
 Stomata
On the underside of leaves are small holes, or pores, called
stomata. A single hole is called a stoma. Each stoma is
surrounded by two guard cells.

When guard cells gain water by

osmosis, they curve outwards.
This opens the stoma, allowing
gases in and out.

Losing water by osmosis causes

the guard cells to come closer
together, closing the stoma. This
stops the movement of gases, but
also prevents water loss.
 Stomata: practical

Task 5: Make a stomata slide

•Paint a small, thin square of

clear nail varnish on the
underside of a leaf.
•Leave it to dry for a few
minutes.
•Peeling the nail varnish off by
placing clear tape over it.
•Place tape onto slide.
•Look at slide through
microscope
 Apply your thinking

Task 6: Around the room

are some questions (Q1-
4) for you to apply your
knowledge to… go
answer them!
 Thumbs up or down
Learning objectives:
•Explain how the structure of the leaf is adapted for gas exchange
•Describe the role of stomata in gas exchange
•Understand the origin of carbon dioxide and oxygen as waste
products of metabolism and their loss from the stomata of a leaf
•Understand the role of diffusion in gas exchange
•Understand gas exchange (of carbon dioxide and oxygen) in
relation to respiration and photosynthesis
•Understand that respiration continues during the day and night,
but that the net exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen depends
on the intensity of light