Mesophyll
Mesophyll
Mesophyll (pronounced: /ˈmɛsəˌfɪl/) is a type of tissue found in plant leaves. It is derived from the Greek words "mesos" meaning middle, and "phyllon" meaning leaf.
Etymology
The term "mesophyll" is derived from the Greek words "mesos" (middle) and "phyllon" (leaf). This is because the mesophyll is located in the middle of the leaf, between the upper and lower layers of epidermis.
Definition
Mesophyll is the internal ground tissue located between the two epidermal cell layers of the leaf; it is involved in photosynthesis, the process by which light energy is converted to chemical energy, resulting in the production of oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds.
Structure
The mesophyll is typically divided into two regions: the palisade mesophyll and the spongy mesophyll. The palisade mesophyll, located beneath the upper epidermis, consists of elongated cells that are closely packed to absorb maximum light. The spongy mesophyll, located beneath the palisade mesophyll, consists of loosely packed, irregularly shaped cells with large spaces between them for gas exchange.
Function
The primary function of the mesophyll is photosynthesis. It contains chloroplasts, the organelles where photosynthesis occurs. The mesophyll cells are rich in chloroplasts, and this is where the plant converts light energy into a sugar called glucose, which can be used by the plant for energy.
Related Terms
- Chloroplasts: Organelles found in plant cells and eukaryotic algae that conduct photosynthesis.
- Epidermis: The outer layer of cells covering an organism.
- Palisade mesophyll: Layer of cells under the upper epidermis of a leaf.
- Spongy mesophyll: Layer of loose tissue found beneath the palisade mesophyll in a leaf.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mesophyll
- Wikipedia's article - Mesophyll
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