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| 1. |
how is the leaf designed to absorb sunlight |
| Answer» Leaves have a large surface area to absorb more sunlight.Leaves are thin, hence carbon dioxide has only a short distace to diffuse into leaf cells.Leaves have large amounts of chlorophyll to absorb sunlight to transfer energy into chemicals.Stomata allows gaseous exchange to take place. Carbon dioxide enters and oxygen leaves the leaf through stomataThe internal structure of the leaf is also adapted to promote efficient photosynthesis:Cuticle: - Is non-cellular, thin, water proof and transparent. It allows light to pass through while protecting the leaf.Thin and transparent epidermis: - It allows more light to reach the palisade cells below.Palisade mesophyll: - has cells vertically arranged such that many can fit into a small space. The cells have large number of chloroplasts which helps to absorb more light.Spongy mesophyll: - Have large air spaces for fast diffusion of gases to and from the photosynthesizing cells.Veins (Vascular bundles): - They act as drain pipes distributing raw materials to the leaves and conducting away manufactured food to other parts of a plant. | |