About Leaves Chicago IL

The leaves are the principal organs of photosynthesis in the vascular plants. The cuticle surrounds the epidermis of the leaf to reduce water loss, while gases pass through pores called stomata.

Local Companies

The de Paul Leadership Project
312.362.5519
25 E. Jackson
Chicago, IL
THINK BIG Services, Inc.
773-491-2885
3200 S. Kedzie
Chicago, IL
Illinois Center for Broadcasting
630-916-1700
55 W. 22nd Street
Lombard, IL
Afscme Local 2858
(312) 738-2892
37 S Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL
Amer Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
(312) 641-3634
Chicago, IL
Ue Western Region
(312) 829-8300
37 S Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL
Seniority Syst of Electrical Joint Arbitration Bd
(312) 466-8301
600 W Washington Blvd
Chicago, IL
Painters Local Union 1332
(773) 874-3594
7736 S Cottage Grove Ave
Chicago, IL
Chgo Joint Board Rwdsu Afl-CIO
(312) 733-1436
37 S Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL
Illinois Federation of Teachers
(312) 491-1808
310 S Peoria St
Chicago, IL

The leaves are the principal organs of photosynthesis in the vascular plants. The cuticle surrounds the epidermis of the leaf to reduce water loss, while gases pass through pores called stomata. Beneath the upper epidermis of the leaf is a layer of elongated palisade cells. The palisade cells contain numerous chloroplasts where photosynthesis takes place. Below the palisade cells is the spongy mesophyll, an arrangement of loosely packed cells that also contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis. The air spaces around the cells permit efficient gas exchange to take place during photosynthesis.

Bundles of vascular tissues extend through the leaf and form its veins. The vascular tissue supplies water and nutrients to the photosynthetic cells, and the products of photosynthesis are conducted away from the cells through the phloem. Vascular tissue also runs through the petiole, the stalk that connects the leaf to the node of the stem. The broad, flat portion of the leaf is the blade.

One of the most important activities in the leaf is the opening and closing of the stomata. These pores regulate the rate of gas exchange, which regulates the rate of photosynthesis. The opening and closing of a stoma is regulated by osmotic pressure within a pair of guard cells. Guard cells are thicker on their inner sides than on the outside, so when the cells are swollen with water, they bow outward, opening the stoma. The pressure exerted on the guard cells to open is called turgor pressure. Scientists believe that a low concentration of carbon dioxide and an accumulation of potassium ions in the guard cells instigate their opening. ATP provides the energy for opening and closing the guard cells.

When the stomata are open, the carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis enters the leaf, while the oxygen gas produced in photosynthesis leaves the leaf. The water produced during photosynthesis also leaves through the stomata. This water loss is called transpiration.

Cliffs Notes Online

Featured Local Company

The de Paul Leadership Project

312.362.5519
25 E. Jackson
Chicago, IL
http://leadership.depaul.edu

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