Which of the following constitutes the main internal tissue of a leaf?
Answer Details
The main internal tissue of a leaf is the mesophyll. The mesophyll is the primary site of photosynthesis in the leaf, where light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The mesophyll tissue is located between the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf and consists of two distinct layers: the palisade mesophyll and the spongy mesophyll. The palisade mesophyll is made up of long, narrow cells that are densely packed with chloroplasts, which are the organelles responsible for photosynthesis. The spongy mesophyll, on the other hand, is made up of loosely packed cells that contain air spaces, which allow for the exchange of gases during photosynthesis. Vascular tissue, which consists of the xylem and phloem, is responsible for transporting water, minerals, and nutrients throughout the plant and is also present in the leaf. The upper and lower epidermis are the outermost layers of the leaf, which serve to protect the mesophyll tissue and regulate gas exchange through specialized pores called stomata. The cuticle is a waxy layer that covers the outer surface of the leaf and helps to prevent water loss.