Name _____________________________

Lab: Leaves
Introduction:

In this investigation you will look at both living plants and

prepared leaf sections in an attempt to learn the structure and
deduce the function of certain leaf parts. You should note in
particular, the ideal way that the leaf is constructed and that
leaves are arranged on the plant to perform their function
efficiently.

Materials:

 Microscope
 Slides of Syringa leaf
 Ivy and spider plant

Procedure:

Part I:

Study the arrangement of the leaves on a ivy plant; from

both a side view and a top view.

Part I Questions:

1. On the ivy plant, are the leaves arranged on the stem in an alternate pattern around the
stem or in an opposite pattern on the sides of the stem? Circle the pattern that you see below.

Opposite Alternate

2. Explain how the arrangement you observed in the Ivy plant increases photosynthesis?
Part II:

Look at the veins in the leaves of the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) and ivy
plant.

Part II Questions:

1. Are the veins arranged in a parallel or in a net pattern? Write the plant name next to the
correct pattern below.

Net Pattern Parallel Pattern

1. Sketch a spider plant leaf (freehand-don’t worry about scale here). Use a different
color in your sketch to “showcase” the leaf veins.

2. What are found in the veins of a leaf?

3. How does the leaf structure help its function? Think spongy and mention the two
layers.

Part III:

Obtain a prepared cross section of a Syringa leaf. Note that there

is a central or mid rib vein. Focus between this vein and the outer
edge of the leaf.
…Part III:

In the space below, draw a picture of the Syringa leaf cross section. Be sure to show the
differing cell sizes that are apparent in your microscopic view. Label 7 of the following
parts (p. 681).

a. upper epidermis f. guard cell

b. palisade layer g. stomata
c. spongy layer h. veins (xylem and phloem)
d. lower epidermis i. cuticle
e. chloroplasts

Use the graticule to estimate the actual thickness of the leaf in mm and um.
____________________
Part III Questions:

1. Where are most of the stomata located? How does their position aid both their
function and the functioning of the plant?

2. What is the equation for photosynthesis?

3. Explain how the position of the palisade cells in the leaf aids them in obtaining what
they need for photosynthesis.

4. Explain how spongy layer cells, their position in the leaf, and arrangement, aids them
in getting what they need for photosynthesis?

5. How does the cuticle aid the leaf?

6. What is the advantage to the leaf of being thin and broad?

7. What disadvantages might being thin and broad have?

8. What kind of cell arrangement would you expect to find in cold climates or very dry
climates?
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0

A B C

Objective Microscope A B C
Lens Power Magnification
Scanning 40x 25 µm = 0.025 mm 125 µm = 0.125 mm 250 µm =0.25
Low 100x 10 µm = 0.01 mm 50 µm = 0.050 mm 100 µm = 0.10
High 400x 2.5 µm = 0.0025 mm 12.5 µm = 0.0125 mm 25µm = 0.025
Oil 1000x 1 µm = 0.001 mm 5 µm = 0.005 mm 10 µm= 0.010