Matt B

1. Plants need water in their leaves as that is where photosynthesis takes place.
Water and nutrients are needed all over the plant for it to live but more so in the
leaves for the photosynthesis process. The palisade mesophyll is where the
process takes place. The reaction is carbon dioxide + water = glucose + oxygen
(CO2 + H20 = C6H12O6 + O2).

2. The structure of the leaf is perfect for carrying out its tasks as all the types of
cells are exactly where they need to be. The vascular bundle (xylem and phloem)
is placed in amongst the palisade mesophyll so they have easy access to each
other to exchange oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose and water. The cuticle and
upper epidermis provide protection for the leaf and the cells inside it and it also
prevents water escaping from the leaf.

3. It is important that the products from photosynthesis can be moved in both
directions through the sieve tubes as the products need to move away from the
leaf during the day so it can use photosynthesis and the products return to the
leaf at night when photosynthesis cant take place but normal respiration
instead.