IGCSE Leaf Structure

The leaf has a shiny, waxy cuticle around it to

• increase the rate of photosynthesis
• attract more light
• control water loss
• stop carbon dioxide and oxygen gases escaping

Which cell produce the wax on the cuticle?

• Epidermal cells
• Guard cells
• Mesophyll cells

• Xylem cells

What is the function of plant epidermal cells?

• • act as a barrier to pathogens

• transport water and minerals throughout the plant

• • main region for photosynthesis

• absorb sunlight for photosynthesis

Most of the chloroplast cells are found in the

• upper epidermis
• pallisade mesophyll layer
• lower epidermis
• stomata

• Which cell layer is the main region for photosynthesis?

• Epidermis layer
• Spongy mesophyll layer

• Palisade mesophyll layer

• Cuticle layer

The water needed for photosynthesis comes into the leaves through the

• upper epidermis
• stomata
• guard cells
• xylem cells

The important gases, carbon dioxide and oxygen, enter and leave the leaf through the

• upper epidermis
• phloem
• stomata
• guard cells

The role of the guard cell is to

• help control the temperature of the plant
• control how much water enters the leaf
• control how much glucose is stored
• control the movement of water vapour & gases 

Which structure helps prevent water loss and protects the leaf?

• Palisades mesophyll
• Spongy mesophyll
• Vascular tissue
• Cuticle

Cells containing chloroplast in the spherical, loosely packed cell layer

• Epidermis

• Palisade mesophyll

• Spongy mesophyll

• Xylem