Grantt Magicson A.

Liwanag BS Biology 1-5

December 12, 2023 Score:

Laboratory Exercise 6: Leaf Morphoanatomy, Phyllotaxy, and Modifications

INTRODUCTION
Plants play a crucial role in the ecosystem, serving as a fundamental foundation for life on
Earth, with all living organisms directly or indirectly reliant on them. Among the various
components of a plant, the leaf stands out as the most vital.
Essentially, leaves serve two key functions: photosynthesis and transpiration. Additionally, in
certain plant species, leaves also assume the responsibility of reproduction.
Leaves, thin and flat structures, play a crucial role in facilitating photosynthesis within plants.
Emerging laterally at the node, they constitute an integral component of the shoot system,
originating from the shoot apical meristems.

MATERIALS & PROCEDURES

Lab Work 1. External Morphology

A. We observed the specimens that we had used, noting variations in different leaf parts and
filling out the table.

B. We examined the monocot and dicot leaves and observed the morphological features in
each group. We made a list in the table, documenting the distinct characteristics of each type
of leaf.

Lab Work 2. Internal Anatomy of Leaves

We conducted an examination of prepared slides featuring Ixora, Zea mays, and Pinus,
aiming to closely compare their respective leaves and explore the biological implications of
their distinctions. Defining the terms mesophytic and xerophytic, we scrutinized the Ixora
leaf, identifying the epidermis, mesophyll layers (palisade and spongy), and stomata. Moving
to the corn leaf, we located bulliform cells, xylem and phloem, bundle sheath cells, and
stomates, discussing the function of bulliform cells and the sub-stomatal chamber beneath
each stomate. Utilizing internet resources, we found an illustration of Pinus, identifying
sunken stomates, a thick cuticle, sclerified epidermal cells, a special arrangement of
photosynthetic tissues, and an endodermis, elucidating the features that make Pine leaves less
susceptible to water loss. Finally, we sketched these representatives, ensuring proper labeling
of all identified parts.
Lab Work 3. Modified Leaves

We examined the given specimen and identified its various modifications and specialized
functions. We created a table, documenting each modification along with its corresponding
function.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Lab Work 1. External Morphology

B. Table 1.2 Morphological features of monocot and dicot leaves

Monocot Dicot
Leaf stalk
Leaf sheath
Venation
Stipule
Ligule

Monocot and dicot leaves exhibit distinct morphological features that contribute to their
classification. In terms of leaf stalk, monocots typically possess parallel venation and lack a
distinct petiole, while dicots commonly display a reticulate venation and have a more evident
petiole connecting the leaf to the stem. The presence of a leaf sheath is a characteristic feature
of monocots, enveloping the stem, whereas dicots lack this structure. Venation patterns
further differentiate the two groups, with monocots exhibiting parallel venation, while dicots
showcase a reticulate or branching pattern. Stipules, small structures at the base of the leaf
stalk, are generally absent in monocots but can be present in dicots, serving various functions.
Additionally, monocots may have ligules, small membranous structures where the leaf blade
meets the leaf sheath, which are typically absent in dicots. These morphological distinctions
collectively contribute to the classification and identification of monocot and dicot leaves.
Lab Work 2. Internal Anatomy of Leaves
 Ixora Zea mays
under under
Low Power Objective Low Power Objective
Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2

Pinus Ixora
(https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/pine-leaf- under
transverse-section-microscope-photo-794324506) Low Power Objective
under Figure 1.4
Low Power Objective
Figure 1.3
 Zea mays Pinus
under under
Low Power Objective Low Power Objective
Figure 1.5 Figure 1.6

According to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UW–SP) (n.d.), mesophytic plants

are well-suited for moderate climates with reasonable moisture, while xerophytic plants are
adapted to extremely dry conditions with minimal water availability. Among the specified
plants, Ixora is cited as an example of a mesophyte, and Pinus is considered a xerophyte.
Although Zea mays is not strictly a xerophyte, it has developed adaptations to cope with
prolonged drought conditions, which will be elaborated upon later.

The leaf of Ixora displays distinct features such as the epidermis, palisade and spongy
mesophyll layers, and stomata. The outermost layer, the epidermis, is coated with a waxy
cuticle that prevents water loss. The mesophyll layers, situated between the upper and lower
epidermal layers, serve to capture light for photosynthesis (palisade) and facilitate CO2
diffusion (spongy). Stomata also contribute to CO2 diffusion, playing a crucial role in the
plant's photosynthetic process, where both CO2 and light energy are essential.

In contrast, the Zea mays leaf exhibits bulliform cells, vascular tissues (xylem and phloem),
bundle sheath cells, and stomata. These bulliform cells collapse during extended drought
conditions, causing the leaf to roll up and effectively covering most stomata, significantly
reducing water loss through transpiration. The sub-stomatal chambers function as pathways
to enhance CO2 diffusion through the mesophyll (UW–SP, n.d.).

The Pinus leaf showcases sunken stomates, a thick cuticle, sclerified epidermal cells, a
specialized arrangement of photosynthetic tissues, and endodermis. These features
collectively regulate water movement within the leaf, conserving water and minimizing
transpiration. Additionally, the needle-like shape of Pinus leaves contributes to a smaller
surface area, making them less susceptible to water loss (UW–SP, n.d.).

Lab Work 3. Modified Leaves

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, while plant leaves are commonly recognized as green structures facilitating
photosynthesis, their diversity and variations are noteworthy. The development of leaves
differs between monocot and dicot stems, as well as among plants inhabiting different
environments. The structure and mechanisms of leaves can be uniquely tailored to meet
specific plant needs, such as rolling up to conserve water or producing a sticky substance for
prey capture. Beyond their role in food production, leaves exhibit a range of functions.
Delving into the comprehensive study of leaves expands our understanding of the remarkable
capabilities inherent in these flat, green extensions of plant growth.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What is a ligule? Where is it located in your specimen? Is it present in both monocot

and dicot leaves? What is its taxonomic significance?

A ligule is a narrow, strap-shaped structure located at the base of the leaf blade in most
grasses (Oxford Reference, n.d.). In the observed specimens, the ligule is identified in Zea
mays, Hedychium, and Paspalum, exclusively in monocot leaves. Ligules hold taxonomic
value as their presence or absence aids in distinguishing between monocots and dicots.

2. Are compound leaves exclusive to dicots? Why or why not?

Compound leaves are not exclusive to dicots and can also be found in monocots.
Characterized by a leaf blade consisting of distinct leaflets, some monocots, such as palms,
exhibit compound leaves where each leaflet arises from folds at right angles in the plant
primordium (Bell, 1991).

3. What is the significance of compound leaves in relation to strong winds and leaf-
eating animals? Provide justification.

The shape of compound leaves, with multiple leaflets spreading out the leaf tissue, minimizes
wind resistance, increasing the likelihood of leaves staying attached during strong winds.
Moreover, the multiple leaflets in compound leaves are less efficiently grazed by leaf-eating
animals. Losing a leaflet may be advantageous for a plant compared to the potential spread of
damage throughout the entire lamina of a simple leaf (Brown & Lawton, 1991).

4. What advantage does the close packing and orderly arrangement of the upper
palisade mesophyll offer? How about the more loosely arranged spongy mesophyll?

The upper palisade mesophyll's close packing and orderly arrangement enhance the
interception of light energy, prioritizing efficient capture for photosynthesis. However, this
comes at the expense of efficient CO2 diffusion. The spongy mesophyll, with its more
loosely arranged structure, compensates by favoring CO2 diffusion, thereby maintaining a
balance in the essential processes of photosynthesis (UW–SP, n.d.).

REFERENCES

Bell, A. D. (1991) Plant Form: An Illustrated Guide to Flowering Plant Morphology. (Oxford
University Press, Oxford). Google Scholar

Brown, V. K., & Lawton, J. Ha. (1991). Herbivory and the evolution of leaf size and shape.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences,
333(1267), 265–272. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1991.0076

BYJU’S. (2022, June 13). Difference between hydrophytes, mesophytes and xerophytes.
BYJUS. https://byjus.com/biology/difference-between-hydrophytes-mesophytes-and-
xerophytes/

Ligule. Oxford Reference. (n.d.).

https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100105610

Povarov, A. (n.d.). Pine needle cross-section under the microscope, background, (pinus).
123RF. https://www.123rf.com/photo_50486660_pine-needle-cross-section-under-the-
microscope-background-pinus.html

University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. (n.d.). Leaf Anatomy.

https://www4.uwsp.edu/biology/courses/botlab/130%20lab%20manual/c07/m07leaf.doc