Transcript File
Leaf Tissues and
Gas Exchange
With a waxy
cuticle, how do
the cells inside
the plant get air?
Dermal Tissue
Air enters plant cells through passive diffusion
Plants have specialized cells which allow more efficient gas exchange
within the leaf called guard cells which surround the stomata
Guard cells open into ground tissue to allow for efficient gas exchange
Movement of gas depends on its concentration gradient
Dermal Tissue
The majority of stomata on a leaf
are found on the underside
Depending on conditions the
guard cells will open or close
Open – guard cells swell
because K+ is pumped into cell
by active transport and the water
follows the K+. The wall on the
outside of the guard cell is
thinner than the inside wall
causing the cell to bend into a
crescent shape
Closed – K+ exits guard cells
and water follows, guard cell
goes limp
Dermal Tissue
Stomata allow for easy movement of
gases but also protect plant from
water loss
Plants need water because…
All gas in the leaf is absorbed into
the cells by dissolving in a thin film
of water
Needed as a product for
photosynthesis
This thin film of water causes plants
to loose water vapor, which is called
transpiration
Dermal Tissue
Stomata are sensitive to environmental
conditions
Plants that live in hot, dry climates have adapted to having
fewer stomata
Plants in environments with little carbon dioxide have adapted
by keeping stomata as wide as they can and for long periods
of time
Ground Tissue
Located between the upper and lower epidermis, there
is ground tissue called mesophyll (2 types)
Palisade tissue cells
• found below upper epidermis
• long, rigid rectangular cells tightly packed together (maximizes
number of cells in contact with the sun)
• responsible for photosynthesis
Spongy mesophyll tissue
• between palisade tissue cells and lower epidermis
• loosely packed with space in-between (gas exchange)
Ground Tissue
Vascular Tissue
Transportation system in plants.
Xylem
Phloem
Xylem and phloem are bunched together like a bundle
of straws and form a vascular bundle.
Gas Exchange
In plants, gas exchange occurs by diffusion
Stomata increase gas movement
Loose ground tissue maximizes diffusion
The leaf is not the only location of gas exchange
Trees have natural “slashes” and “blisters” on them
called lenticels.
Homework
Read p. 309- 313
Do Check and Reflect
P. 314 # 5,7,8,9,10
Do worksheet C3.3- Leaf tissues and
gas exchange