EcoGenesis · Encyclopedia
Organisms, anatomy, processes and learning journeys. Read the explanations and follow their links to data and sources.
Structure
A chloroplast is a photosynthetic organelle of plants and algae. Its thylakoid membranes and surrounding stroma perform complementary tasks: light-driven electron transport helps produce ATP and NADPH, while carbon-fixation reactions use them to build organic compounds. Different compartments bring these reactions together in one organelle.
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Structure
A leaf brings together light capture, gas exchange and transport. In a typical green leaf, chloroplasts in the mesophyll use light energy to build organic compounds from carbon dioxide. Water reaches the leaf through vascular tissue, while sugars can move to other parts of the plant. A leaf is therefore a working organ, not merely a flat surface.
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Structure
Palisade mesophyll cells belong to a leaf’s internal photosynthetic tissue. In a typical eudicot leaf they are relatively closely packed beneath the upper epidermis and contain chloroplasts. Nearby spongy mesophyll is more loosely arranged, with air spaces supporting gas exchange. Cell, tissue and organ remain distinct structural levels.
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Structure
A spruce needle is a leaf. Its narrow form changes how the organ presents a surface to light and air. Conifer needles illustrate a leaf form with reduced exposed surface and sunken stomata, features that help limit water loss. The needle dimensions below belong to Picea abies rather than every conifer.
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