Assignment 2:
Describe the Structures and Functions of the Leaf
Gideon Kiplimo Rotich
Agn211-0017/2023
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
BSc. Land Resource Planning and Management
Plant Morphology and Anatomy
22nd February 2023
Leaves are remarkable structures found in vascular plants, primarily responsible for
photosynthesis, transpiration, and gas exchange. Here's a breakdown of their anatomy and
functions:
Cuticle: The outermost layer of the leaf, consisting of waxy material, the cuticle helps prevent
water loss from the leaf and protects it from pathogens.
Epidermis: Beneath the cuticle lies the epidermis, a layer of cells that form the protective outer
covering of the leaf.
Stomata: These are small pores found mostly on the underside of the leaf, primarily in the
epidermis. Stomata regulate gas exchange, allowing carbon dioxide to enter the leaf for
photosynthesis and oxygen to exit, while also regulating water vapor loss through transpiration.
Mesophyll: The interior tissue of the leaf, composed of two types:
Palisade mesophyll: Located beneath the upper epidermis, it consists of closely packed,
vertically oriented cells rich in chloroplasts. These cells are the primary site of photosynthesis.
Spongy mesophyll: Found beneath the palisade mesophyll, it consists of loosely
arranged cells with air spaces between them. This structure facilitates gas exchange and the
movement of nutrients throughout the leaf.
Vascular Tissue: The leaf contains vascular bundles, composed of xylem and phloem, which
form a network throughout the leaf. The xylem transports water and minerals absorbed by the
roots to the leaf, while the phloem transports sugars produced during photosynthesis to other
parts of the plant.
Chloroplasts: These are organelles found within the cells of the mesophyll, containing
chlorophyll pigments. Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis, where light energy is
converted into chemical energy, used to synthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and water.
Guard Cells: Surrounding each stomatal pore are two guard cells. These cells regulate the
opening and closing of the stomata in response to environmental factors like light intensity,
humidity, and carbon dioxide levels, thereby controlling gas exchange and water loss.
The leaves are intricate structures optimized for capturing light energy, conducting
photosynthesis, exchanging gases, and transporting nutrients and water throughout the plant.
They play a crucial role in the plant's life cycle and are vital for sustaining terrestrial ecosystems.
