Structure of a Leaf

In this scene students can explore the structure of a leaf on a sunflower. Being able to move around the sunflower, students will get up close to the leaf and appreciate how they are organised and adapted to carry out their specialist function. Whilst exploring the leaf, students will familiarise themselves with the organisation of tissues, how the cell’s shape facilitates the organisation and function of the mesophyll tissues and how they are adapted for photosynthesis.

# Learning objectives

1: To understand that the leaf is an organ.{.info}

2: To describe the structure of a leaf.{.info}

3: To explain the function of each part of a leaf.{.info}

# External Features of a Leaf{.objective .objective1}

A brief description of the main structures that can be seen externally is outlined, detailing their involvement in controlling water loss, absorption of light and carbon dioxide Students can also explore the leaf externally. The focus is to look at the top and bottom of the leaf and appreciate why the top part has more chlorophyll and the bottom has more stomata.

# What Structures Make Up the Leaf as An Organ?{.objective .objective2}

Students explore the inner organisation of the leaf structure. Here they will learn about the two main tissue layers: Palisade mesophyll and spongy mesophyll. Students will be asked to explore the cross section of the leaf and how the mesophyll Is organised and how it is adapted to photosynthesis.

# What Specialised Cells Does a Leaf Have that Drive Photosynthesis?{.objective .objective3}

A description of the cells and their function is outlined. Students are asked to look at the leaf from the cross section and observe the cells. They should use their knowledge of cells to identify the main features the cells need for their main function within the leaf. They will be asked to consider the shape of the cells and how that makes the organisation of the tissues better suited to their function.

# Teacher Resources

**Download Teacher Notes**

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/794330/files/Structure%20of+a+Leaf+Teacher+Notes+1.pdf?date=1677665128&size=1134341&md5=4d008c85048dd6511e5e0656ad5782b9)

**Student Quiz Answers Document**

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/794331/files/Structure%20of+a+Leaf+Teacher+Notes+2.pdf?date=1677665197&size=693822&md5=3bd9030279ea430bf50649d8fc418010)

**Download Student Quiz Document**

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/794332/files/Structure%20of+a+Leaf+Teacher+Notes+3.pdf?date=1677665387&size=93161&md5=a78e05ef719f54e2eb79e3fa1edea759)