Cross Section of a leaf
The primary locations for photosynthesis, which transforms solar energy into chemical
energy (food), are leaves. Through their stomata, or tiny holes in the leaf, leaves absorb
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and create oxygen. Because leaves may take on a
variety of forms and sizes, they are frequently used to identify
Plants.
The site we used: https://youtu.be/xEF8shaU_34
The thin waxy layer is meant to protect the cells of the leaf and keep them from drying out.It
prevents any loss of water from the leaf.
The upper epidermis is like the leaf's skin on top. It shields the leaf from harm and stops
too much water from escaping. It's see-through, so sunlight can reach the leaf's insides.
Sometimes, it has small holes called stomata, which help the leaf breathe by letting in air
and releasing oxygen.
The Palisade layer is a tightly packed layer of cells beneath the epidermis, it contains most
of the chloroplasts, so most of the photosynthesis occurs here.
The Spongy Layer is like a sponge inside a leaf. Its made up of cells with lot of Air Spaces
between them. These places help the carbon dioxide and oxygen move around inside the
leaf.The spongy layer also stores water and nutrients for the leaf to use.
The Lower epidermis is a layer with several stomata which are protected by guard cells.
The Stomata (Singular: Stoma) are tiny pores surrounded by 2 guard cells which change
shape to close the pore. Stomata let carbon dioxide into the leaf.
Veins in a leaf are like a leaf's blood vessels. They carry water and nutrients throughout the
leaf, helping it grow and stay healthy. These veins also provide support, like the skeleton of
a leaf, keeping it strong and sturdy.
Xylem is like the plant's water pipes. It carries water from the roots to the rest of the plant.
Like a straw it sucks out the water and delivers the water wherever the plant needs water. It
is like a delivery person, whether for making food in the leaves or for keeping the plant
strong.
The Phloem in the spongy layer is a tiny tube which transports Food through the plant. It
also has the ability to store food in the roots.
