Leaf Adaptations (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Leaf Adaptations for Photosynthesis

• Leaves are the plant organs that carry out photosynthesis

• Their structure is adapted to maximise photosynthesis, e.g.

  • They have a large surface area to maximise light absorption
  • They are thin to allow efficient movement of gases between leaf cells and the surrounding air

Leaf structure diagram

Leaves are adapted to carry out photosynthesis by being thin; this allows gases to diffuse quickly, e.g. carbon dioxide can diffuse quickly between the surrounding air and the photosynthesising cells of the leaf