What is the role of the leaf in photosynthesis?
Quick Answer
Leaves typically have a large surface area that contains chloroplasts to absorb sunlight for the process of photosynthesis. The chloroplasts contain a substance called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the substance that makes leaves appear green and allows them to absorb sunlight easily.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
The structure of leaves allows them to aid in the process of photosynthesis because they are thin. This short distance between the front and back of a leaf allows carbon dioxide to disperse throughout it easily. The stomata are the part of the leaf that allows carbon dioxide to diffuse throughout it. They also contain guard cells that open and close the stomata under various conditions.
Leaves contain other pigments in addition to chlorophyll that allow them to absorb light from the sun's full spectrum. The veins in leaves, also called vascular bundles, provide support and transport water and carbohydrates to the plant. The outsides of leaves are covered by a thin epidermis that helps more light reach the palisade cells. Palisade cells are found in the top layer of leaves, and they house the chloroplasts. Their function is to allow as much sunlight as possible to absorb into the leaves.
A spongy layer that is filled with air pockets rests underneath the palisade cells. The spongy layer helps carbon dioxide diffuse from the stomata of the leaves and move into the cells that are responsible for photosynthesis.
Learn more about BotanyRelated Questions
-
Q:
What is the primary function of a mesophyll cell in a plant leaf?
A: The mesophyll cells in a plant leaf play a vital role in photosynthesis by enabling the gas exchange portion of the process, and through the actions of the... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where do the light independent reactions of photosynthesis take place?
A: The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis take place in the stroma of the chloroplasts. These are the same organelles where the light-dependent rea... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why don't onion cells have chloroplasts?
A: Onion cells lack chloroplasts because the onion is part of the plant that is not involved in photosynthesis. The part of the plant eaten by humans is calle... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What releases oxygen in photosynthesis?
A: In oxygenic photosynthesis, cyanobacteria and the chloroplasts of plants and algae turn carbon dioxide, water and photons into carbohydrates and free oxyge... Full Answer >Filed Under:
