The Adaptations of Green Plants for Photosynthesis

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The Adaptations of Green Plants for

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the metabolic pathway by which the inorganic

compounds water and carbon dioxide are converted into carbohydrates

using light energy, which is absorbed by chlorophyll. Plants need to

be adapted so that maximum light energy is absorbed and therefore

maximum photosynthesis occurs. Plants have adapted in order to be able

to survive in many different climates such as high temperatures and

humid conditions.

Leaves play an important part in photosynthesis, as they are the first

part of the plant, which is exposed to the light energy from the sun.

They have a large surface area in order to absorb maximum light

energy. The waxy cuticle and the upper epidermis are both transparent

so that light can pass through the leaf into the other cells, which

are needed for photosynthesis. The palisade cells in the leaf are

elongated so that as much light is absorbed as possible. Palisade

cells have thin cell walls so that the light has a short distance to

travel before it reaches the chloroplasts. They are also tightly

packed together to ensure that no light energy is lost. The palisade

cells and the upper epidermis contain high number of chloroplasts to

ensure that maximum light has been reabsorbed. These chloroplasts are

mobile within the cytoplasm this helps to ensure that maximum light is

absorbed. The leaf grows at right angles to ensure the largest surface

area is exposed to the sunlight.

Another adaptation of the plant known as phototropism means that the

plant will grow towards the light. Leaves are broad and flat to

provide a large surface area and to provide a short path for the light

to travel. It also means that there is a short diffusion path for the

exchange of gases. The vascular tissues found in leaves contain the

xylem vessel, which transports the water required for photosynthesis.

The phloem removes the products of photosynthesis. Plants and trees

both arrange their leaves in a leaf mosaic to ensure that light

reaches every leaf, which maximises the amount of light energy,

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