Essay About Large Leaf Surface Area And Spongy Mesophyll

Photosynthesis Case
Metabolism
All chemical reactions in a cell → arranged into metabolic pathways
Intermediates in these pathways are called metabolites
Catabolic reactions (e.g. respiration) release energy
Anabolic reactions (e.g. photosynthesis) use up energy
Leaf Structure
Phototropism → growth towards light
Large leaf surface area → captures more light
Thin leaves → few cell layer → more light captured by chlorophyll
Leaf mosaic increases leaf exposure to light
Internal Structure
Cuctile → reduces H2O loss by evaporation
Palisade mesophyll → chloroplast can move around cell for max light absorption
Spongy mesophyll → allows diffusion of gases through leaves
Phloem sieve tube → removes products of photosynthesis
Chloroplast
Thylakoid membrane: light-dependent → large surface area
Associated with chlorophyll, accessory pigments, ETC, enzymes
Grana: stacks of thylakoid membranes
Enclose hydrogen reservoir used in chemiosmosis
Lamella: tubular extensions forming a network between grana
Stroma: RuBP carboxylase catalyses light independent reaction