How are leaves adapted?

Leaves are small factories

that produce food for plants
by photosynthesis.
Leaves are adapted so that
photosynthesis can take place.
Plants need carbon dioxide,
water, sunlight and chlorophyll
to carry out this important
process.
What features of leaves
make them suitable for
photosynthesis?
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How are leaves adapted?

The features of leaf that make it
suitable for photosynthesis are:
A leaf is broad and flat to
capture lots of sunlight.
Veins carry water to the leaf
and take food from the leaf
to the rest of the plant. Veins
also help to support the leaf.
Certain plant cells contain
chloroplasts with chlorophyll.
Small holes called stomata in
the underside of a leaf allow
gases in and out.
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Inside a leaf

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Glossary
chlorophyll The green pigment inside chloroplasts
that plants need for photosynthesis to take place.

chloroplast The part of a plant cell where

photosynthesis occurs.

glucose The sugar plants make during photosynthesis.

palisade cell A type leaf cell with lots of chloroplasts.
photosynthesis The process by which plants use
carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen
in the presence of light and chlorophyll.

starch Extra glucose from photosynthesis is stored as

this substance which can be tested for with iodine.

stomata Small holes in the lower surface of a leaf

that allow gases in and out.

xylem Tubes in veins that carry water around a plant.

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Minerals in plants

Mineral salts are needed for plants

growth
Absorbed by the roots:
Magnesium ions used to make
chlorophyll
Nitrate ions used to make amino acids
(to make proteins)
Phosphates are used for making DNA
and respiration
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Lack of nutrients - deficiency

When there is a lack of certain nutrients

the plant will react in different ways.
They might not have little growth in
leaves or stems

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Mineral

Use

Nitrate ions
(NO3)

Building proteins Poor growth and

and growth
yellow leaves

All amino acids contain

nitrogen. Amino acids
are the building blocks
of protein.

Phosphate
ions (PO4)

Respiration and Poor root growth

growth
and discoloured
leaves

A component of DNA
molecules and cell
membranes

Potassium
ions (K+)

Respiration and Poor flower and

Must be present for
photosynthesis fruit growth,
photosynthesis and
discoloured leaves respiration enzymes to
work

Magnesium
ions (Mg2+)

Photosynthesis

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Deficiency
symptoms

Yellow leaves

Explanation

Chlorophyll molecules
contain magnesium
ions. It's the
magnesium that makes
chlorophyll green.

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Contents

9C Plants and Photosynthesis

What is photosynthesis?
Leaves and glucose
Roots and water
Summary activities
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How does water enter a plant?

Water is one of the raw materials
needed for plants to carry out
photosynthesis.
How does water enter a plant?
Water from the soil enters a plant
through the roots.
You cant normally see them but
roots are a very important part of a plant.
Why are roots branched and spread out through the soil?

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How are roots adapted?

Roots are branched and spread out
for two reasons:
to absorb water (and mineral salts)
from a large amount of soil.
to anchor the plant in the soil.
Taking a closer look, roots are
covered in root hair cells.
Root hair cells have thin walls
and a large surface area to help
them absorb lots of water.

water

How are roots adapted to their job?

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Why do plants need water?

Water is needed by plants for photosynthesis
but this important liquid is also used in many
other ways:

to provide dissolved minerals that keep the plants healthy;

to transport substances around the plant;
to keep the plant rigid and upright;
to keep the plant cool;
to allow other chemical reactions to occur in plant cells.
What happens to a plant if it does not get enough water?
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