30.10: Leaves - Leaf Structure, Function, and Adaptation (2024)

Leaf Structure and Function

The outermost layer of the leaf is the epidermis. It consists of the upper and lower epidermis, which are present on either side of the leaf. Botanists call the upper side the adaxial surface (or adaxis) and the lower side the abaxial surface (or abaxis). The epidermis aids in the regulation of gas exchange. It contains stomata, which are openings through which the exchange of gases takes place. Two guard cells surround each stoma, regulating its opening and closing. Guard cells are the only epidermal cells to contain chloroplasts.

The epidermis is usually one cell layer thick. However, in plants that grow in very hot or very cold conditions, the epidermis may be several layers thick to protect against excessive water loss from transpiration. A waxy layer known as the cuticle covers the leaves of all plant species. The cuticle reduces the rate of water loss from the leaf surface. Other leaves may have small hairs (trichomes) on the leaf surface. Trichomes help to avert herbivory by restricting insect movements or by storing toxic or bad-tasting compounds. They can also reduce the rate of transpiration by blocking air flow across the leaf surface.

Below the epidermis of dicot leaves are layers of cells known as the mesophyll, or “middle leaf.” The mesophyll of most leaves typically contains two arrangements of parenchyma cells: the palisade parenchyma and spongy parenchyma. The palisade parenchyma (also called the palisade mesophyll) aids in photosynthesis and has column-shaped, tightly-packed cells. It may be present in one, two, or three layers. Below the palisade parenchyma are loosely-arranged cells of an irregular shape. These are the cells of the spongy parenchyma (or spongy mesophyll). The air space found between the spongy parenchyma cells allows gaseous exchange between the leaf and the outside atmosphere through the stomata. In aquatic plants, the intercellular spaces in the spongy parenchyma help the leaf float. Both layers of the mesophyll contain many chloroplasts.

Similar to the stem, the leaf contains vascular bundles composed of xylem and phloem. The xylem consists of tracheids and vessels, which transport water and minerals to the leaves. The phloem transports the photosynthetic products from the leaf to the other parts of the plant. A single vascular bundle, no matter how large or small, always contains both xylem and phloem tissues.

Leaf Adaptations

Coniferous plant species that thrive in cold environments, such as spruce, fir, and pine, have leaves that are reduced in size and needle-like in appearance. These needle-like leaves have sunken stomata and a smaller surface area, two attributes that aid in reducing water loss. In hot climates, plants such as cacti have succulent leaves that help to conserve water. Many aquatic plants have leaves with wide lamina that can float on the surface of the water; a thick waxy cuticle on the leaf surface that repels water.

Key Points

• The epidermis consists of the upper and lower epidermis; it aids in the regulation of gas exchange via stomata.
• The epidermis is one layer thick, but may have more layers to prevent transpiration.
• The cuticle is located outside the epidermis and protects against water loss; trichomes discourage predation.
• The mesophyll is found between the upper and lower epidermis; it aids in gas exchange and photosynthesis via chloroplasts.
• The xylem transports water and minerals to the leaves; the phloem transports the photosynthetic products to the other parts of the plant.
• Plants in cold climates have needle-like leaves that are reduced in size; plants in hot climates have succulent leaves that help to conserve water.

Key Terms

• trichome: a hair- or scale-like extension of the epidermis of a plant
• cuticle: a noncellular protective covering outside the epidermis of many invertebrates and plants
• mesophyll: the inner tissue (parenchyma) of a leaf, containing many chloroplasts.