Structureoftheleaf Complete Lesson

Plant Tissues and Organs
Plant Tissues
 All plants are made up roots, stems, leaves and

flowers. These structures are made up of cells
 These cells are not always the same in structure.
They differ depending on what function they perform
 Some groups of cells have a supportive function.
Others may be involved in photosynthesis.
 Cells which have a similar function, are similar in
structure and form tissues.
Examples of some Plant Tissues
 Epidermal tissue – a single layer of cells found

covering the surface of the plant
 Some epidermal cells are specialised for
perform a certain function. Examples:
– Guard cells in leaves
– Roots hairs in roots
Vascular Tissue: Two types:-
Xylem – transports water

from the roots via the
stems to the leaves. The
cells are elongated and
hollow with thickened,
lignified cell walls. They
are arranged end-to-end.
They also have a
supportive function.
Vascular Tissue:
Phloem – transports
food made in the
leaves to the rest of
the plant. Cells are
also elongated and
arranged end-to-
end.
Supportive Tissues
Supportive tissues – collenchyma and sclerenchyma

Other Plant Tissues
 Photosynthetic Tissue – found in the leaves

– the cells contain many chloroplasts.
 Storage and packing tissues called
parenchyma. This tissue is the most common
plant tissue found in plants.
Plant Organs
Tissues are grouped

together to form a
structure with a special
function. This structure is
called an organ.
Examples of plant organs
are:
– Roots
– Stems
– Leaves
– Flowers
Function of the Root
 To anchor the plant in the soil

 To absorb water and nutrients from the soil
for photosynthesis in the leaves
 Some roots store extra food – e.g. carrot
Function of the Stem
 Support the plant

 Conduct water and nutrients from the roots to
the leaves
 Conduct food (glucose) manufactured in the
leaves to rest of plant
Structure and Functions of a Plant
Leaf
Leaf – is a plant structure which is the major
site of photosynthesis – the food
making process in plants.
Ithas specialized parts that perform specific

functions in photosynthesis.
 External Structure of the Leaf
 1. LEAF BLADE, is a part of the leaf that is

specialized to capture light.
Variety of shapes of Leaf Blade:

Example:
a. grasses – elongated
b. gabi – heart – shaped
2. MIDRIB, the central ventlike structure in most leaves.
These structures transport water and nutrients
within the leaf to other parts of the plant.
3. VENATION, are smaller veins radiate from the

midrib. The arrangement of the veins as
seen in the leaf blade.
Types of Venation:
a. Parallel venation, veins which appears to run
parallel with each other.
b. Netted venation, veins which appears weblike.
 4. LEAF STALK/PETIOLE, the structure which
attached the leaf blade to the stem.
* SESSILE - are leaves which do not have petioles

but the leaf blades are directly attached to
the stem.
Function of the Leaf
 Photosynthesis
 Gaseous exchange
– take in O2 and release CO2 during respiration
– take in CO2 and release O2 during photosynthesis
Water Vapour can be lost from the surface of

the leaf in a process known as Transpiration.
Photosynthesis
Energy + CO2 + H20 Glucose + O2

(from (from In chloroplast (Stored as
(Sun) (Released
air) roots) (chlorophyll) starch) into air)
Structure of the Leaf
Transverse section of a leaf

phloem
xylem
Water-carrying cell
Opening for CO2
and O2 and water
Leaf vein
vapour
Transverse section of a leaf at cellular level
Stomata: Functions
 The stomata are

responsible for the
interchange of gases for
respiration and
photosynthesis.
 The stomata allow for
the loss of excess water
in the form of water
vapour, which also
allows for cooling.
Quiz: Label the parts of the leaf
Stoma Palisade mesophyll Spongy mesophyll
cuticle Upper epidermis Air spaces
A
B
C
D
E
F
Discussion:
How are leaves adapted to

their functions of
photosynthesis and gaseous
exchange? - Try to think of 3
adaptations
Quiz: Label the parts of the leaf
Stoma Palisade mesophyll Spongy mesophyll
cuticle Upper epidermis Air spaces
cuticle
Upper epidermis
Palisade mesophyll
Spongy mesophyll
stoma
Air space
How is the Leaf adapted to its function?
 Broad, flat-shape – large surface area for absorption of sunlight

and carbon dioxide
 Thin – gases have a short distance to travel (Epidermis – 1 cell
layer thick)
 Large air spaces between the cells of the spongy mesophyll –
allow for easy passage of carbon dioxide and oxygen
 Waxy Cuticle (reduces water loss)
 Many stomata in the lower surface allow for the exchange of carbon
dioxide and oxygen with the air outside (open during day, close at
night)
 More chloroplasts in upper palisade than spongy mesophyll cells
where they receive the most sunlight
 Branching network of veins which provide a good water supply to
the cells for photosynthesis.

Structureoftheleaf Complete Lesson

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Structureoftheleaf Complete Lesson

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Plant Tissues and Organs

 All plants are made up roots, stems, leaves and

 Epidermal tissue – a single layer of cells found

Xylem – transports water

Supportive tissues – collenchyma and sclerenchyma

 Photosynthetic Tissue – found in the leaves

Tissues are grouped

 To anchor the plant in the soil

 Support the plant

Ithas specialized parts that perform specific

 1. LEAF BLADE, is a part of the leaf that is

Variety of shapes of Leaf Blade:

3. VENATION, are smaller veins radiate from the

* SESSILE - are leaves which do not have petioles

Water Vapour can be lost from the surface of

Energy + CO2 + H20 Glucose + O2

Transverse section of a leaf

 The stomata are

Stoma Palisade mesophyll Spongy mesophyll

cuticle Upper epidermis Air spaces

How are leaves adapted to

Stoma Palisade mesophyll Spongy mesophyll

cuticle Upper epidermis Air spaces

 Broad, flat-shape – large surface area for absorption of sunlight

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