A MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL OBSERVATION IN PLANT LEAVES

Birion, Megan Clarrise; Del Rosario, Nishe Patrick Martin F.; Galagate, Nicole Grace E.; Sulaiman,

Alysa B.; Yandoc, John Mychael

INTRODUCTION

Background Information

A leaf is a vascular plant organ and is the stem's main lateral appendage. The shoot is formed
by the leaves and stem together. Collectively, leaves are referred to as leaves, as in "autumn leaves." A
leaf is an organ that is dorsiventrally flattened, generally born above floor and specialized in
photosynthesis. The main photosynthetic tissue, the palisade mesophyll, is found in most leaves on the
upper part of the blade or lamina of the leaf, but in some species, including the mature Eucalyptus
leaves, palisade mesophyll is found on both sides and the leaves are said to be isobilate.

Most leaves have separate upper (adaxial) and lower (abaxial) surfaces that vary in colour,
hairiness, number of stomata (pores intake and yield gases), epicuticular wax quantity and structure,
and other characteristics. Most of the leaves are green in colour. This is due to the existence of a
chlorophyll compound. This compound is crucial for photosynthesis because it absorbs light. Leaves
can have many different shapes, sizes, and textures. The broad, flat leaves with
complex venation of flowering plants are known as megaphylls and the species that bear them, the
majority, as broad-leaved or megaphyllous plants.

A structurally complete leaf of an angiosperm consists of a petiole (leaf stalk), a lamina (leaf
blade), and stipules (small structures located to either side of the base of the petiole). A petiole may be
absent, or the blade may not be laminar (flattened). The petiole connects the leaf to the plant
mechanically and offers the path for water and sugar transfer to and from the leaf. The lamina is
typically the most photosynthesis place. The upper (adaxial) angle between a leaf and a stem is known
as the axil of the leaf. It is often the location of a bud. Structures located there are called "axillary".

Basic leaf types: (1) Ferns have fronds , (2) Conifer leaves are typically needle- or awl-shaped
or scale-like, (3) Angiosperm leaves: the standard form includes stipules, a petiole, and a lamina, (4)
Lycophytes have microphyll leaves, (5) Sheath leaves (type found in most grasses and many other
monocots) and other specialized leaves (such as those of Nepenthes, a pitcher plant).

1
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
 The arrangement of the leaves on the stem is called phyllotaxis. Different terms are usually
used to describe the Phyllotaxis. (1) Altenate, (2) Basal, (3) Cauline, (4) Opposite, (5) Whorled or
Verticillate, (6) Rosulate and (7) Rows. Two basic forms of leaves can be described considering the
way the blade (lamina) is divided. There is an undivided blade in a simple leaf. The leaf may, however,
be dissected to form lobes, but the lobe gaps do not reach the main vein. A compound leaf has a
completely subdivided blade, separating each blade leaflet along a primary or secondary vein. The
leaflets may have petiolules and stipels, the equivalents of the petioles and stipules of leaves.

Veins (sometimes referred to as nerves) constitute one of the more visible leaf traits or
characteristics. The veins in a leaf constitute the organ's vascular structure, extending through the petiole
into the leaf, providing water and nutrient transportation between the leaf and stem, and playing a vital
part in maintaining leaf water status and photosynthetic capacity. The arrangement of veins and veinlets
in the lamina of a leaf is called “venation”. There are two (2) types of venation: (1) Parallel Venation
and (2) Reticulate Venation.

The two Morphology changes within a single plant are what we called: (1) Homoblasty a
characteristic in which a plant has small changes in leaf size, shape, and growth habit between juvenile
and adult stages and (2) Heteroblasty a characteristic in which a plant has marked changes in leaf size,
shape, and growth habit between juvenile and adult stages.

Leaves are usually widely vascularized and typically have networks of xylem-containing
vascular bundles supplying water for photosynthesis, and phloem transporting photosynthesis-produced
sugars. Many leaves are covered with trichomes (tiny hairs) that have various structures and functions.
The outer surface of the leaf has a thin waxy covering called the cuticle, this layer's primary function is
to prevent water loss within the leaf. Directly underneath the cuticle is a layer of cells called
the epidermis. The vascular tissue, xylem and phloem are found within the veins of the leaf. Veins are
truly extensions running all the way up to the edges of the leaves from the tips of the roots. The vein's
exterior layer consists of cells called bundle sheath cells, creating a circle around the xylem and phloem.

Leaf tissues are composed of layers of plant cells. Different plant cell types form three main
tissues found in leaves. (1) Epidermis the exterior layer of the leaf is. The epidermis secretes a waxy
layer called the cuticle, which enables the plant to keep water. The plant leaves epidermis also includes
unique cells called guard cells that control the exchange of gas between the plant and the environment.
(2) Mesophyll the word mesophyll is a Greek word which means "middle" (meso) "leaf" (phyllon). The
middle mesophyll leaf layer is composed of a palisade mesophyll region and a spongy mesophyll region.
Palisade cells are more like columns and lie just below the epidermis, the spongy cells are more loosely
packed and between the layer of palisade and the reduced epidermis. (3) Vascular Tissue consists of
tube-shaped structures called xylem and phloem that provide pathways for water and nutrients to flow
throughout the leaves and plant.

2
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
 One of the specimen used is the Tradescantia spathacea, which is an erect perennial sub-
succulent herb with short stout erect stems up to 20 cm tall, often clustered and forming large colonies.
Its leaves are describe as imbricate, crowded, and linear-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate and is 20 - 35
cm long and mostly 3 - 5 cm broad, acuminate at the apex, scarcely narrowed at base above the sheath,
usually dark green above, reddishpurple beneath.

Moringa oleifera leaves are alternate, 7-60 cm long, tripinnately compound with each pinnate
bearing 4-6 pairs of leaflets that are dark green, elliptical to obovate, and 1-2 cm in length. The
inflorescences are 10-20 cm long, spreading panicles bearing many fragrant flowers.

Ixora coccinea is a dense, multi-branched evergreen shrub with 1.2-2 m in height. I. coccinea
has a rounded form, with a spread that may exceed its height. The glossy, leathery, oblong leaves are
about 10 cm long. Small tubular, scarlet flowers in dense rounded clusters 5-13 cm across are produce
almost all year long. There are numerous named cultivars differing in flower color (yellow, pink,
orange) and plant size. Plants in more sun will be denser and more compact and produce more flowers.
It is use in warm climates for hedges and screens, foundation plantings, massed in flowering beds, or
grown as a specimen shrub or small tree.

Bambusa vulgaris is the most commonly encountered bamboo in cultivation in SE Asia and is
grown pantropically, being the only Asian species that is common in the New World. As its culms and
branches root very readily, it naturalizes forming mono specific stands along river banks, roadsides and
in open ground. B. vulgaris has the potential to invade relative unaltered forests moving along streams

Objectives

The activity let the students observe and differentiate the morphological and anatomical
features of the given specimens. The following are the specific objectives of the experiment:

1. To observe the morphological features and leaf terminology used in:

a) Tradescantia spathacea
b) Moringa oleifera
c) Ixora coccinea
2. To observe the leaf anatomical feature of Bambusa vulgaris.

Significance Statement

As the experiment was done in the laboratory, it helped the students to review and recall their
knowledge about the morphological and anatomical features of a leaf. During the time as the researchers
observed the specimens through microscope, the researchers were able to document and observe the

3
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
 differences in each specimen. The knowledge from the High School helps the researchers to apply it to
the experiment and improve more.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To achieve the objectives of the laboratory experiment, the students gathered various plant
specimens that were needed in analyzing the morphological and anatomical features of leaves. For the
plant specimens needed in assessing the morphological features, the students used Moringa oleifera,
Ixora coccinea, and Tradescantia spathacea. Each specimen was drawn and determined the leaf type,
shape, texture, apex, base, margin, and venation of a euphyll to the terminal shoot of each leaves. As for
observing the anatomical features, the plant specimens used were I. coccinea, T. spathacea, and Bambusa
vulgaris. The students obtained an epidermal or surface peel of both leaf surface and a cross section of
each leaf with its midrib. After preparing the specimens, it was then observed under a compound
microscope. The students described and distinguished the structures observed in the micromorphology
of the leaf surface from its abaxial and adaxial sides. The leaf anatomy obtained from the cross section
of the leaf midrib was illustrated. Observations were also made in the cutinized epidermis, the palisade
and spongy parts of the mesophyll, and vascular bundles and its xylem and phloem orientation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A. Morphological Features

Specimen Type Shape Texture Apex Base Margin Venation

Tradescantia spathacea Simple Linear Smooth Acum Truncate Entire Parallel

inate
to
acute

4
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
 Ixora coccinea Simple Ovate Smooth Acute Acumina Entire Pinnate
to te
acumi
nate

Moringa eloifera Compo Elliptical Smooth Obtus Rounded Entire Reticulate

und to e
Obovate

Table.1 Morphological Features of T. spathacea, Ixora coccinea and M. eloifera

Plants have different Morphological features or external structures that varies according to leaf
type, shape, texture, apex, base, margin and venation.

According to Bonnie Grant leaf identification is helpful in classifying the variety of plant and
its family. There are different leaf types, exemplified by their form and shape as well as other
characteristics. Leaf types and arrangements can give insight into why positioning is important for
photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.

Leaf apex and leaf base have no definite function but helps in determining variations of different
plants. Examples of leaf apex are acute, acuminate, and obtuse and examples of leaf base are
truncate, acuminate and rounded.

5
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
 The leaf margin is the boundary area extending along the edge of the leaf. There are lots of
different types of leaf margins one of it is entire margin, it is even and smooth around the entire leaf
edge.

Venation is the pattern of veins in the blade of a leaf. The veins consist of vascular tissues which
are important for the transport of food and water. Leaf veins connect the blade to the petiole, and
lead from the petiole to the stem. The two primary vascular tissues in leaf veins are xylem, which
is important for transport of water and soluble ions into the leaf, and phloem, which is important
for transport of carbohydrates (made by photosynthesis) from the leaf to the rest of the plant (Jrank,
2019).

B. Anatomical Features

Any living organism can be represented by the structure of its body parts and their relevant
functioning either in independence or in association with one another. After studying the external form
and structure of M. oleifera, I. coccinea, and T. spathacea, the internal morphology or anatomy was
also examined. Anatomy has been a fundamental field of study in biology. It has been considerably
important for the biologists to classify the organisms in the correct taxa after studying the anatomy of
animals and plants (Naveen, 2012). In anatomy, the biological structures are studied, which include
organisms and their parts. The students specifically use microscopic anatomy where in the tissues and
cells have been organized in a particular region of a system of the plant.

Stoma
Epiderm
al cells
Epiderma
l cells

Figure 1. Adaxial surface section of T. Figure 2. Abaxial surface section of T.

spathacea under LPO spathacea under LPO

In comparison between figure 1 and 2, the abaxial side of T. spathacea has prominent stomata
while its adaxial side has none. This observation is supported in the leaf and stems anatomical study of
the same genus as Tradescantia by Eminagaoglu (2012) where it says that stomata cells only occur on

6
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
 the abaxial surface. Since the stomata only occur on the lower surface of the leaf, the distribution of
stomata is known as a hypostomatic distribution. Stomata play an important role in photosynthesis as
they allow the plant to absorb carbon dioxide from the environment. In exchange, stomata allow oxygen,
which is a waste product of photosynthesis, to be released. In the process, water vapor is also lost as the
internal parts of the leaves are exposed. To reduce exposure, stomata are found on the underside of the
leaves. They are protected from the sun as excessive heat can increase the rate of water vapor leaving
and thus wither the plant. Stomata also have guard cells around the epidermis that close when too much
water is being lost (Johnson, 2016).

Epidermal
cells

Stoma

Figure 3. Adaxial surface section of Bambusa vulgaris observed under LPO

As observed in figure 3, unlike the adaxial surface of T. spathacea, B. vulgaris has stomata in
the upper side of its leaves. Based on Panawala (2017), the stomata of monocots are equally distributed
in both upper and the lower epidermis. In that case stomata distribution of monocots is known as an
amphistomatic distribution. Due to the amphistomatic distribution of stomata, the frequency of
transpiration can be high. Therefore in the presence of excess sunlight, the leaves are rolled to reduce
the surface area of the leaf, preventing the water loss.

Collenchym
a
Cuticle

Phloem Epidermis
Xylem Bundle Sheath
Parenchyma
Spongy
mesophyll Chlorenchyma
Palisade
layer
7
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
 Figure 4. Cross section of I. coccinea midrib observed under LPO

Bulliform cells

Mesophyll tissue
Epidermis

Trichomes

Figure 5. Midrib cross section of Bambusa vulgaris observed under LPO

As observed in a leaf, there is a main vein at the center of the leaf blade which is called midrib.
The function if midrib is to keep the leaf in an upright position and to provide strength as a protection
from the wind. Moreover, it supports the leaf to be exposed to the sunlight. It's the primary vein is
consists of vascular bundles which consist of food nutrients and water conduction. (Ashraf, 2018).
Based on figure 4, the midrib contains mostly of parenchyma which provides the food nutrients for the
leaf. Collenchyma is also seen near at the lower epidermis, these collenchyma cells has thickened cell
walls which enables to provide addition support by filling vacant spaces that will be used for later
growth(Arrington, 2018). Cuticle is observed in the outermost layer, it is generally waxy to protect the
leaf and prevents water loss. Under cuticle is epidermis, it is protoderm-derived layer of cells covering
the leaf. It acts as a protective barrier against mechanical injury, water loss, and infection (Britannica,
2019). The bundle sheath contains sclerenchyma cells specifically xylem and phloem which is the
transport systems that moves food, water and minerals around the leaf.

Another prominent structure of midrib is chlorenchyma. Chlorenchyma is a type of parenchyma

tissue that contains chloroplasts and is photosynthetic. It makes up the mesophyll tissue of plant leaves
and is also found in the stems of certain plant species (Encyclopedia, 2019). Mesophyll cells are found
in the plant's leaves. They are a type of ground tissue that is actually found as two distinct types in the
leaves. Palisade parenchyma cells are cells that have a lot of chloroplasts, which is why these are the
main sites of photosynthesis in the leaf. There is usually only one layer of these particular cells, and
they're located near the surface of the leaf just under the epidermis and also helps protect the rest of the

8
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
leaf. The other type of cell is the spongy mesophyll. There's still photosynthesis occurring in the spongy
mesophyll, but there are large spaces left between the cells. These large spaces allow these layers to
help carbon dioxide move around the leaf. The spongy mesophyll also allows the plant to bend and
move in the wind, which itself helps move gases around the leaf's cells (Battista, 2016).

As observed in figure 5, B. vulgaris has specialized cells called bulliform cells. Bulliform cells
are large, bubble-shaped epidermal cells that occur in groups on the upper surface of the leaves of many
monocots. Bulliform cells play an important role in maintaining the structure of the leaf depending upon
the availability of water. When there is sufficient water available to the plant, the bulliform cells take
in a lot of water and hence become turgid, enabling the leaf to stiffen up. This exposes the leaf to the
sun and promotes transpiration. When the plant faces a scarcity of water, then the bulliform cells, due
to the lack of water become flaccid and the leaf wilts, hence minimizing transpiration (Dixit, 2016).
Another structure found in B. vulgaris is trichomes. As leaf hairs, they reflect radiation, lower plant
temperature, and reduce water loss. They also provide defense against insects.

CONCLUSION

Based from the results and observations made, a lycophyll or microphyll is a type of plant leaf
that have single unbranched leaf vein. While the euphyll or megaphyll is a type of leaf that has several
large veins that are branching apart. Since veins are consist of vascular tissues which are important
for the transport of food and water, it can be concluded that euphyll has more advantage in
transporting food and water due to its several and branching veins. Various morphological and
anatomical parts of leaves help in food processing in plants which is known as photosynthesis
and transpiration. In example, the spongy mesophyll are cells that also help in photosynthesis.
Other parts of the leaves are responsible in preventing water loss to be able to maximize
transpiration. One of it is the cuticle, it is a waxy layer in the leaves protecting it from water
loss. Another anatomical feature that protects the leaves from water loss is the epidermis which
is just underneath the cuticle. In conclusion, leaves are the main organ in the photosynthesis for such
reason that leaves are morphologically and anatomically constructed to be able to make foods. These
morphological and anatomical features help in determining the physiology of plants especially its
leaves.

REFERENCES

9
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
A Dictionary of Biology. . Retrieved August 27, 2019 from Encyclopedia.com:
https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-
releases/chlorenchyma-0 Johnson, J. (2012). Why are stomata found on the lower side of a leaf?.
Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/Why-are-stomata-found-on-the-lower-side-of-a-leaf

Armstrong, E. (2002) .Leaf Terminology Part1. Retrieved from

https://www2.palomar.edu/users/warmstrong/termlf1.htm

Armstrong, E. (2002).Leaf Terminology Part2. Retrieved from

https://www2.palomar.edu/users/warmstrong/termlf2.htm

Arrington, D. (2018). Collenchyma Cells: Function, Definition & Examples. Retrieved from
https://study.com/academy/lesson/collenchyma-cells-function-definition-examples.html

Ashraf, L. (2018). What is the function of the midrib in a leaf?. Retrieved from
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-function-of-the-midrib-in-a-leaf

Bailey, R. (2018) Plant Leaves and Anatomy. Retrieved from

https://www.thoughtco.com/plant-leaves-and-leaf-anatomy-373618

Battista, J. (2016). Mesophyll Cells: Function & Definition. Retrieved from

https://study.com/academy/lesson/mesophyll-cells-function-definition-quiz.html

Britannica (2019). Plant Tissue: Epidermis. Retrieved from

https://www.britannica.com/science/epidermis-plant-tissue

Dixit, N.(2016). What are bulliform cells?. Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-are-

bulliform-cells

Eminagaoglu, Ozgur & Ozcan, Melahat & Kültür, Şükran. (2012). Contributions to the Leaf and Stem
Anatomy of Tradescantia fluminensis: an Alien Species New to the Flora of Turkey. ACU J. For. Fac..
13. 270-277.

Flora and Fauna Web.(2019). Tradescantia spathacea. Retrieved from

https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/5/2524

Grant.B.(2018).Leaf Identification – Learn About Different Leaf Types In Plants. Retrieved from
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/different-leaf-types-in-plants.htm

Jrank Articles(2019). Leaf venation. Retrieved from https://science.jrank.org/pages/3869/Leaf-

Venation.html

10
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8
Ladore.S.(1999). Ixora coccine. Retrieved from
http://www.comfsm.fm/~dleeling/botany/1999/vhp/ixora_coccinea.html

Leaf Anatomy (n.d) Retrieved from

https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/leaf_coloring.html

Leaves: Morphology, Types and Modification (n.d) Retrieved from

https://byjus.com/biology/leaves-morphology-types-modification/

Morphological Characters of Leaves (n.d) Retrieved from

https://biologyboom.com/morphological-characters-of-leaves/

Naveen (2012). Difference Between Anatomy and Morphology. Retrieved from

https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-anatomy-and-vs-morphology/

Panawala, L. (2017). Difference Between Stomata of Monocot and Dicot Plants. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320583008_Difference_Between_Stomata_of_Monocot_an
d_Dicot_Plants/citation/download

Plant Biology- Leaf Morphology (n.d) Retrieved from https://www.web-

formulas.com/Biology_Topics/Plant-Biology-Leaf-morphology.aspx

Pracheta.(2011).A Review on Horse Radish Tree (Moringa oleifera): A Multipurpose Tree with High
Economic and Commercial Importance. Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/amp/s/scialert.net/fulltext/amp.php%3fdoi=ajbkr.2011.317.328

11
BS BIOLOGY 1-2 | GROUP 1 | LA #8