New version of this video: https://youtu.be/_y-HCi7mJjM
This is a description of a leaf cross section at the cellular level. Leaves contain a number of different tissues and cell types arranged in a particular way. From the top down, these tissues are the Waxy Cuticle, Upper Epidermis, Palisade Mesophyll, Spongy Mesophyll, Bundle Sheath Cells, Vascular Bundle, Lower Epidermis and Waxy Cuticle. The Waxy cuticle would ordinarily provide an air tight seal, but there are openings within it called the stomata, which open and close strategically to take in gasses but minimize water loss.
This leaf is from a standard C3 plant (ie a non-desert plant) but there are specific modifications in desert plants that are quite interesting. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbLg4lMpUa8&t=206s for more details!
00:00-00:18 Introduction and Orientation
00:18-00:40 Waxy Cuticle
00:40-1:01 Upper Epidermis
1:01-1:46 Palisade Mesophyll
1:46-2:25 Spongy Mesophyll
2:26-4:04 Vascular Bundle (Bundle Sheath Cells, Xylem, Phloem)
4:05-4:21 Lower Epidermis
4:21-4:30 Waxy Cuticle
4:30-6:03 Stomata, Guard Cells and Gas Exchange
6:04-7:50 Leaf Microscopy
Avoid plagiarism! Cite BOGObiology!
[BOGObiology]. (2015, June 19). Photosynthesis 2 Leaf Cross Section. [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8mphPjPnlU&t=1s
