Labeled Diagram of a Leaf Game Quiz - A plant’s leaves soak up sunlight to use as energy for photosynthesis, a process in which carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen. Leaves are usually green due to the substance which absorbs light energy, a green fluid called chlorophyll.
As a plant organ, leaves are divided into three main parts – the petiole, leaf base, and lamina (leaf blade).
The stalk that attaches the leaf to a plant’s stem is called the petiole. It allows the leaf to stay upright and provides stability. The petiole is composed of vascular tissues. These tissues supply the leaf with water and nutrients from the roots. In turn, glucose is exchanged to feed the plant.
The leaf base is the section of the leaf blade nearest to the petiole. It helps the leaf stay attached to the stem and protects the axillary bud.
The lamina is the thin part of the leaf. It is composed of the leaf apex (tip), leaf margin (edge) and the leaf veins. This part is where most photosynthetic reactions occur. Small holes on the surface – stomata – allow for gas exchange between CO2 and oxygen.
You can use this labeled diagram of a leaf as a visual guide of the structures found in a leaf and their roles in performing photosynthesis.
A leaf is a vegetative structure that is typically flat, thin, and green, and is responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. The main parts of a leaf and their functions are:
Blade: The blade is the broad, flat part of the leaf that is responsible for photosynthesis. It is typically green due to the presence of chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy.
Petiole: The petiole is the stem-like structure that connects the blade to the stem of the plant. It helps to support the blade and allows it to move in response to light and other stimuli.
Midrib: The midrib is the central vein of the leaf that runs from the base of the blade to the tip. It helps to support the blade and carries water and nutrients from the stem to the rest of the leaf.
Veins: The veins of the leaf are smaller, branching structures that run from the midrib out to the edges of the blade. They also help to support the blade and transport water and nutrients throughout the leaf.
Stomata: Stomata are small openings on the surface of the blade that allow for the exchange of gases with the environment. They are typically found on the undersides of the leaves and are surrounded by guard cells that can open and close to regulate the exchange of gases.
Cuticle: The cuticle is a thin, waxy layer on the surface of the leaf that helps to protect the leaf from dehydration and damage. It also helps to reduce the amount of water lost through the stomata.
Epidermis: The epidermis is the outermost layer of cells on the surface of the leaf. It protects the leaf and helps to prevent the loss of water.
Palisade layer: The palisade layer is a layer of cells located just below the epidermis that contains a high number of chloroplasts, which are the organelles responsible for photosynthesis.
Spongy layer: The spongy layer is a layer of cells located just below the palisade layer that is filled with air spaces. It helps to absorb and distribute water and nutrients throughout the leaf.