Scribd
Upload
68 views1 page

Lab #2 - Leaf Internal Structure

The document provides instructions for a biology lab to study the internal structures of dicot leaves using a compound microscope. Students will examine slides of dicot leaves under a microscope and make detailed drawings of the epidermal, palisade mesophyll, and spongy mesophyll cells. The theory section explains that dicot leaves have layers of palisade mesophyll cells packed with chloroplasts and spongy mesophyll cells with air spaces to efficiently perform photosynthesis between two epidermal layers. Veins branch through the leaf in a net-like pattern to supply water, minerals, and transport sugars.

Uploaded by

Tishonna Douglas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
68 views1 page

Lab #2 - Leaf Internal Structure

The document provides instructions for a biology lab to study the internal structures of dicot leaves using a compound microscope. Students will examine slides of dicot leaves under a microscope and make detailed drawings of the epidermal, palisade mesophyll, and spongy mesophyll cells. The theory section explains that dicot leaves have layers of palisade mesophyll cells packed with chloroplasts and spongy mesophyll cells with air spaces to efficiently perform photosynthesis between two epidermal layers. Veins branch through the leaf in a net-like pattern to supply water, minerals, and transport sugars.

Uploaded by

Tishonna Douglas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

T.A.

MARRYSHOW COMMUNITY COLLEGE


SCHOOL OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCE
YEAR 2 BIOLOGY

LAB # 2

SKILL: Drawing

TITLE: Dicotyledonous leaves

AIM: To study the internal structures of dicot leaves using the compound microscope.

THEORY:
The leaves are often structurally different from other plant organs. The dicot leaf consists of one
or more layers of densely packed parenchyma cells rich in chloroplasts, and a variety of
supporting tissues that allow this thin layer of cells to perform photosynthesis efficiently. The
dense layer of parenchyma is called palisade mesophyll. Its cells are stacked tightly together,
with their long axes perpendicular to the top surface of the leaf. Each cell is directly exposed to
light at its top end. The bottom end is in contact with a loosely packed layer of spongy
mesophyll, with numerous air spaces between the cells. This airy tissue allows rapid diffusion of
atmospheric gases. The palisade and spongy mesophyll layers are sandwiched between two
transparent layers of epidermis. Veins rise from the vascular bundles of the stem and enter the
leaf through the leaf stalk or petiole. In dicots the veins then branch out in a net-like pattern to
reach all parts of the leaf blade. Each vein contains xylem, which brings in water and simple
minerals, phloem, which carries sugars from the photosynthetic cells to all other live cells in the
plant, and fibres which help to support the otherwise flimsy leaf blade.

MATERIALS:

 Compound microscope
 Slide of typical dicot leaf
 Drawing materials

PROCEDURE:

1. Examine the slide using a microscope.


2. Make a plan drawing of the leaf.
3. Make a detailed annotated drawing of each of the following:
a. An epidermal cell
b. A palisade mesophyll cell
c. A spongy mesophyll cell

You might also like