IGCSE›Cambridge IGCSE Biology›Mind mapsLeaf StructureCambridge IGCSE Biology: Mind mapStudy pack PDFAlso for this subtopic:Revision notesFlashcardsSubtopic testCover factsShapeLarge surface area captures more lightThin so gases diffuse a short distanceChloroplasts absorb light energyOuter layersCuticle: waxy layer that cuts water lossUpper epidermis: transparent, lets light throughLower epidermis has stomataGuard cells open and close stomataMesophyllPalisade: tightly packed columns under the epidermisPalisade has the most chloroplastsSpongy: loose cells with large air spacesAir spaces speed CO₂ and O₂ diffusionLeaf structurebuilt for photosynthesisVascular bundlesXylem brings water and mineral ionsWater keeps cells turgidPhloem carries glucose awayAlso give the leaf supportWorking togetherStomata let CO₂ in and O₂ outCuticle stops excess water lossPalisade sits nearest the lightXylem and phloem: water in, glucose outExam tipsCuticle is a layer over the epidermisExplain why each position mattersLink each structure to photosynthesis or water loss