What will you learn in this chapter
In this chapter, we will be learning about the structure and function of leaves. We will start by understanding the outer structure of leaves, including the lamina and petiole. Then, we will explore the internal structure of the leaf, which includes the upper and lower epidermis, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, and vascular bundle. Next, we will study the main organ of gaseous exchange in plants. We will discuss why gaseous exchange is necessary for plants and learn about the opening and closing of stomata. This process is influenced by the uptake of potassium ions and changes in sucrose concentration. Moving on, we will explore the main organ of transpiration in plants. We will understand why transpiration is important for plants and examine the environmental factors that affect its rate, such as light intensity, temperature, air movement, and relative air moisture. Lastly, we will delve into the main organs of photosynthesis. We will discuss the importance of photosynthesis for plants and how the internal structures of leaves are adapted to facilitate this process.
