BotanyLesson 2 of 4 in the course Plant Form and Physiology

Leaf Form, Internal Structure, and Environmental Adaptations

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 4 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Leaves are the main sites of photosynthesis, but their forms also reveal how plants are organized and adapted to their surroundings. In this lesson, you will learn to identify the major parts of a leaf and describe common patterns of leaf veins, placement, and form.

The broad, usually flat portion of a leaf is the lamina, also called the leaf blade. The margin is the edge of the blade. A prominent central vein, the midrib, often runs along the length of the leaf and gives rise to smaller veins containing vascular tissue.

All flashcards

Lamina and margin
The lamina is the broad blade of a leaf; the margin is its edge.
Petiolate and sessile leaves
A petiolate leaf has a stalk connecting it to the stem; a sessile leaf lacks a petiole and attaches directly.
Parallel and reticulate venation
Parallel veins run alongside one another; reticulate veins branch and connect in a net-like pattern.
Phyllotaxy
The arrangement of leaves along a stem; patterns include alternate, spiral, opposite, and whorled.
Cuticle
A waxy covering on the leaf surface that reduces water loss.

Quiz questions

  1. Which cells surrounding a stoma are the only epidermal cells that contain chloroplasts?Answer: Guard cells.
  2. Which vascular tissue transports water and minerals toward the leaves?Answer: Xylem.
  3. What do the air spaces among spongy parenchyma cells help gases do?Answer: Move through the leaf and exchange with the atmosphere.
  4. Which leaf features help conifers limit water loss in cold environments?Answer: Small, needle-like leaves with sunken stomata.
  5. Why do broad leaves help plants growing beneath tropical rainforest canopies?Answer: They capture scarce sunlight.

Based on Biology 2e by Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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