What Is So Special About a Leaf?

chloroplast

A structure in a plant cell that performs photosynthesis

Why does a large leaf perform more photosynthesis?

Its greater surface area can collect more sunlight.

Why are leaves on desert plants so small?

So they can avoid losing water.

chlorophyll

The green pigment (color) in plants that is used to trap energy from the sun

epidermis

The layer that covers the top and bottom of a leaf

photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to make food

transpiration

The process of a plant losing water when it is in direct sunlight for too long

botany

The study of plants

How are human skin and a plant leaf similar?

They both have an epidermis.

What is the purpose of the epidermis on a leaf?

To protect the plant

evergreen trees

Trees that don't lose their leaves in the winter

deciduous trees

Trees that lose their leaves in winter