Leaf Structure Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is the main function of a leaf?

To carry out photosynthesis and make glucose using light.

Why are leaves broad and flat?

To give a large surface area to absorb more light.

Why are leaves thin?

To give a short distance for gases to diffuse and for light to reach cells.

What is the waxy cuticle and what does it do?

It is a thin waterproof layer on the leaf surface. It reduces water loss and lets light through.

What is the role of the upper epidermis?

It protects the leaf and is transparent so light can pass to the palisade layer.

Where is the palisade mesophyll and how is it adapted?

It is just under the upper epidermis. The cells are packed with chloroplasts to absorb light.

What is the spongy mesophyll for?

It has air spaces to allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to diffuse through the leaf.

What are stomata and where are they mostly found?

They are small pores mostly on the lower epidermis. They let gases and water vapour move in and out.

What do guard cells do?

They open and close stomata to control gas exchange and water loss.

What do the leaf veins contain?

Vascular bundles with xylem to bring water and minerals in, and phloem to carry sugars away.

Why is the upper side of a leaf often darker green?

It has many palisade cells with lots of chloroplasts near the top.

How do air spaces and thin mesophyll cell walls help gas exchange?

They give a large surface area and a short path for gases to diffuse.