Lower epidermis
Outmost tissue on the lower side of the leaf; protects the leaf
Upper epidermis
Outmost tissue on the upper side of the leaf; protects the leaf
Palisade layer
Rows of elongated cells in the upper center of leaf; site of photosynthesis
Cuticle
Waxy layer on the covering of the epidermis; holds in moisture, prevents too much absorption of water
Stoma
Opening between the guard cells; allows for gas exchange and some water
Guard cells
Surround the stoma; control the opening and closing of the stoma
Vein
Supply support for the leaf; contain the xylem and phloem
Spongy layer
Irregular shaped cells in the lower center of the leaf; absorbs gas and some water
Air space
Space in the spongy layer; contain gases
Xylem
Found in the vein; transports minerals and water from roots to shoots
Phloem
Found in the vein; transports sugar and other products of photosynthesis from leaves to other parts of the plant
Chloroplast
Cells in the leaves that contain chlorophyll; trap light energy and convert it to chemical energy
Mesophyll
All of the middle tissue of the leaf