Photosynthesis

=Photosynthesis, baby! =

Definition: Process where energy from the Sun is converted into chemical energy for plants and other organisms.

Palisade mesophyll are elongated and compacted so the cells are more exposed to the sunlight

Task: Draw a table and list down structures of the leaf to maximize photosynthesis

--Every palisade mesophyll has chloroplast --Chloroplasts are arranged perpendicular to the upper epidermis in a organized

__Adaptation of plants to photosynthesis__
 * Parts of leaf || Adaptation || To absorb maximum sunlight || Increase rate of diffusion of gases ||
 * Epidermis || Layers are transparent--acts as lens || Yes ||  ||
 * Surface area || Large || absorb maximum sunlight ||  ||
 * Reddish underlayer ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Thin lamina ||  || Sunlight can reach inner cells || Carbon dioxide can diffuse to all the cells rapidly ||

Air:

In order for photosynthesis to occur, there are holes that are called stomata whose size are regulated by gut cells allow air to come in. Generally found in under side of cell to cut off water loss.

Spongy mesophyll--irregular shape with large intercellular air space--> Near stomata where air exchange takes place. This allows more air to enter.
 * Intercellular air space--any space between cells

Leaf is thin--air that enters through spongy layer can pass to the palisade layer

Sunlight: Leaf has large surface area to volume ration--thin and flat to allow maximum sunlight to enter Leaf stalk and veins--to prevent leaf from falling/flopping, prop up the leaf to expose the large surface area to maximum sunlight Epidermal layer is transparent, acts as lens and focuses the light into the leaf

Plants store energy as starch because Starch is a storage substance--insoluble, inert, immobile
 * Inert: Does not react with any other things in the cell

Limiting factor: Saturation point At the saturation point, the rate of photosynthesis cannot increase due to the presence of a limiting factor. Only by increasing the limiting factor can the rate increase.