About the Parts of a Leaf

Leaves are production centers that transform carbon dioxide into oxygen and food for the plant. The leaf uses the energy from the sun for this process called photosynthesis. By doing so, the air around the world is rejuvenated with oxygen. But, the plants also produce carbon dioxide.

From an outer protective layer to internal cells that allow for the flowing of gases the leaf is complex and essential to life. So what are the parts of a leaf that perform such a beneficial operation?

Identification

When you consider the parts of a leaf, and leaves come in many different shapes, what you see first is the leaf blade, or the lamina.

Features

As you look closer you can see the midrib runs down the middle of the leaf and off of that are veins which filter out across the blade. At the end where the leaf connects to the stem and the blade you'll find the petiole. While at the other end the tip of the leaf is the apex.

Function

Leaves are production centers for making energy for the plants and for converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. The outer layer is the epidermis covered by the cuticle and openings called stomata. Just like skin on people is protective so the epidermis is the outer protection of the leaf.

Effects

The inside of the leaf is very different as you can see in the photo. You find find layers of different cells.

Identification

The outer layers are the epidermis with its waxy coating and openings. Past these outer layers come the mesophyll cells. This is also where you find the chloroplasts.

Throughout the epidermis there are openings called stomata with guard cells around it. Depending on the leaf you are examining, the stomata may only be found on the underneath side of the leaf. Stoma is when you are talking about one.

These are the openings where carbon dioxide enters and leaves along with oxygen.

1.) The epidermis is covered by the cuticle which helps to regulate gas flow in and out of the leaf as well as moisture. The top epidermis is called the adaxial epidermis while the bottom is called the abaxial epidermis.

2.) Shows the mesophyll which is where the chloroplasts are and so the location of photosynthesis. The mesophyll comes in two kinds with the ones nearer the top call palisade parenchyma. Photosynthesis is focused here. Also, it is the chlorophyll in the chloroplasts that gives the green color to leaves. Below this is the spongy parenchyma region which is not as densely packed. There are even air pockets in between the cells. The spaces allow for the flow of gases.

3.) This is an end view of a vein. Leaf veins are the transport lines which bring in water and organic matter. The veins transport the food which is produced through photosynthesis to other parts of the plant. The food is sugar.

4.) Gases flow through these air pockets which are used for the production of food.

5.) Spongy mesophyll have less photosynthesis going on and less chlorophyll.

6.) The stomata are also part of the gas regulation system. There are guard cells around the stoma opening that aid in this process.

Significance

Leaves come in lots of various shapes. There are the simple kind with one blade. Compound ones have multiple blades. But what the leaves have in common is the fact that the parts of a leaf are set up for the production of food through photosynthesis.