1. Leaf Structure

2. Function of Leaves
To carry out photosynthesis

3. How?
They need to absorb carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight; and dispose of the products (glucose and oxygen) once they are made

4. Leaf Structure Blade: Fleshy part of the leaf
Vein: Transports glucose and water; support
Petiole: Stem of the leaf
Midrib: Central rib of the leaf

5. What is a Cross Section?

6. Leaf Cross Section

7. A. Cuticle: Location Outermost layer on the surface of a leaf
A. Cuticle: Function Non-cellular surface; waxy outer layer that prevents water loss
A. Cuticle: Location Outermost layer on the surface of a leaf A

8. B. Upper Epidermis: Function Helps protect the internal tissues from damage; also transparent to allow sunlight to penetrate the leaf
B. Upper Epidermis: Location First cellular level of the leaf on the top part an the bottom part of a leaf B

9. C. Palisade Mesophyll: Location Found beneath the upper epidermis; Vertically elongated cells
C. Palisade Mesophyll: Function Contain large amounts of chloroplasts; where photosynthesis occurs in the leaf C

10. D. Vascular Bundle: Function Location of xylem and phloem; xylem transports the water and phloem transports glucose
D. Vascular Bundle: Location Found within the mesophyll; typically in circles in the cross section D

11. E. Spongy Mesophyll: Location Found beneath the Palisade mesophyll; typically very spacious
E. Spongy Mesophyll: Function The air spaces allow for the transport of gases in and out of the leaf E

12. F. Stomata: Function Allows water and gases to move in and out of the leaf
F. Stomata: Location Found beneath on the lower epidermis on the underside of a leaf; appear as small pores/opening F