6.

10
PHOTOSYNTHESIS

LEAF STRUCTURE AND

FUNCTION
Leaves are the main photosynthetic
organ in a plant
They are adapted to carry out
photosynthesis

Leaf Structure and function

Cross section

ADAPTATION FOR
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
1. The flattened leaf lamina has a large surface area to receive more
light
2. The leaf is usually thin for light to reach the lower layers and for
rapid diffusion of gases
3. The epidermis is transparent to allow sunlight to reach the
mesophyll
4. It is covered by a waxy cuticle which is impermeable to water. It
prevents excessive loss of water and entry of pathogens
5. Palisade cells are column-shaped and contain many chloroplast.
They are closely-packed together vertically to receive maximum
sunlight for photo synthesis
6. Spongy mesophyll cells have fewer chloroplast to carry out
photosynthesis. The cells are loosely packed with large air spaces
between them and surrounded by a thin film of water to facilitate
gaseous diffusion.

MECHANISM FOR
PHOTOSYNTHESIS

CHLOROPLAST: SITE FOR

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

DARK REACTION
Also known as Calvin cycle.
Occur in the stroma of chloroplast
Light is not required for dark reaction light independent
ATP and H atoms produced from light reaction are used to
reduce carbon dioxide to produce glucose. The reactions are
catalysed by enzymes in the stroma.
The overall reaction results in the reduction of carbon dioxide
into glucose.

 The glucose produced can be converted to other

carbohydrates, for example, sucrose, starch and
cellulose. It can also be used in other chemical
pathways to form amino acids and lipids.