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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & diversity

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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Fun fact before we dive in: Ever noticed how some leaves are way up high, soaking in the sunlight, while others are tucked away, chilling in the shade? Turns out, they have distinct features to cope with their respective environments. Excited to explore? Let&#39;s dive in! 🏊

<ul>
	<li>
	Plan Diagram: It&#39;s like a map of the leaf but without showing the individual cells&mdash;just the regions of different tissues.

	<ul>
		<li>Think of it like a country map showing states but not cities!</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Task: We need to sketch the plan diagrams for Prunus leaves, both sun-exposed and shaded.
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Overall thickness:

	<ul>
		<li>Sun leaves: They&#39;re usually thicker because they have more layers of cells to maximize photosynthesis!</li>
		<li>Shade leaves: Typically thinner as they try to capture as much light as possible with fewer cell layers.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Waxy Cuticle:

	<ul>
		<li>It&#39;s like the leaf&#39;s waterproof jacket! 🧥</li>
		<li>Sun leaves: Thicker waxy cuticle. Why? To reduce water loss due to the high light and heat.</li>
		<li>Shade leaves: Thinner cuticle since they don&#39;t face the intense sun.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Palisade Mesophyll:

	<ul>
		<li>These cells are like solar panels, they absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.</li>
		<li>Sun leaves: More compact, maximizing light absorption.</li>
		<li>Shade leaves: Less compact, but they&#39;re doing their best in low light!</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Spongy Mesophyll:

	<ul>
		<li>These are the leaf&#39;s sponges! They allow gases to move around.</li>
		<li>Sun leaves: Less space as it&#39;s more densely packed with cells.</li>
		<li>Shade leaves: More airy and spaced out, to maximize gas exchange in low light.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

Guessing time!

<ul>
	<li>Thicker with a robust waxy layer? That&#39;s our sun-lover! 🌞</li>
	<li>Thinner and with a lighter touch of wax? Meet the shade-lover. 🌚</li>
</ul>

Why the Differences?

Let&#39;s relate this to our world: Imagine wearing a heavy coat in winter (sun leaf) vs. a light jacket in spring (shade leaf). Your winter coat (like the thicker waxy cuticle of sun leaves) is meant to protect against harsher conditions (intense sunlight). Meanwhile, the spring jacket is lightweight, suitable for milder conditions (like the shade leaves). Nature designs leaves based on where they hang out, so they can thrive and do their job: photosynthesis!

Takeaway: Leaves, whether sunbathing or chilling in the shade, have unique features helping them adapt and do their essential work. It&#39;s like how we dress differently for a beach day vs. a cozy day indoors!

Now, the next time you&#39;re out in nature, see if you can spot the differences between sun and shade leaves. It&#39;s like a real-world biology treasure hunt! 🌳🔍🌿

Happy Studying! 📘🔬🍃

Explore Leaf Tissue Distribution!

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Higher Level

Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Explore Leaf Tissue Distribution!

Table of content

Plan diagrams & tissues in a leaf 🍃

Unlock the Full Content!

Theme B - Form & Function

Explore Leaf Tissue Distribution!

Table of content

Plan diagrams & tissues in a leaf 🍃

Unlock the Full Content!