Question
Explain how leaves of mesophytes are suited to their functions.
Answer
Mesophytes are plants that are adapted to grow in moderate moisture conditions, neither extremely wet nor extremely dry. Many common garden plants and crops are considered mesophytes.
- Thin to ensure short distance of CO2 reach photosynthesis/palisade cells
- Presence of stomata/guard cells for efficient diffusion of O2 /gaseous exchange /H2O vapour/transpiration/CO2 in to the leaf
- Transparent cuticle/epidermal cells for light penetration into palisade cell which contains chloroplasts next to upper epidermis. These receives maximum light for photosynthesis.
- Chloroplasts have chlorophyll which traps light energy.
- Leaves have veins, Xylem and Phloem to transport products of photosynthesis to other part of the plant.
- Air spaces in spongy mesophyll easily circulates gases/CO2 diffuse into the palisade cells.
- Mosaic arrangements of leaves enable leaves to trap sunlight
Read on the process of photosynthesis
Adaptations of Mesophyte Leaves
- Broad/wide/flat lamina provide large surface area for absorption of oxygen and sunlight- Thin to ensure short distance of CO2 reach photosynthesis/palisade cells
- Presence of stomata/guard cells for efficient diffusion of O2 /gaseous exchange /H2O vapour/transpiration/CO2 in to the leaf
- Transparent cuticle/epidermal cells for light penetration into palisade cell which contains chloroplasts next to upper epidermis. These receives maximum light for photosynthesis.
- Chloroplasts have chlorophyll which traps light energy.
- Leaves have veins, Xylem and Phloem to transport products of photosynthesis to other part of the plant.
- Air spaces in spongy mesophyll easily circulates gases/CO2 diffuse into the palisade cells.
- Mosaic arrangements of leaves enable leaves to trap sunlight
Read on the process of photosynthesis
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