Structures in a leaf: Exams

Question 1

What is the function of phloem?

Answer 1

Transports sugars (food) from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

Question 2

What is the function of xylem?

Answer 2

Transports water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.

Question 3

What is a stoma and what does it do?

Answer 3

Allows carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to be released from the leaf

Question 4

What do guard cells do?

Answer 4

Open and close the stomata to control gas exchange and water loss.

Question 5

What is the palisade mesophyll and its function?

Answer 5

Cells that contain many chloroplasts; the main site of photosynthesis.

Question 6

What is the spongy mesophyll and its function?

Answer 6

Cells with air spaces that allow gaseous exchange (CO₂ in, O₂ out) and some water vapor; also contains some chloroplasts.

Question 7

Describe how each part of the leaf structure and its function relate to photosynthesis

Answer 7

The xylem brings water to the leaves, and the phloem carries food to the rest of the plant. Stomata let carbon dioxide in and oxygen out, controlled by guard cells. The palisade mesophyll has many chloroplasts to absorb sunlight, while the spongy mesophyll allows gases to move through the leaf.

Question 8

How water and nutrients/sugar are transported in plants eg xylem and phloem

Answer 8

Xylem: Carries water and minerals from roots → leaves.
Phloem: Carries sugars (glucose) made in leaves → rest of the plant.