Chapter 34—Leaf Structure and Function

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Leaves:
a. represent a fairly small fraction of the overall metabolic budget for a plant.
b. depend on the roots to supply CO2.
c. are the main photosynthetic organ of most plants.
d. are the main site of water uptake in plants.
e. prevent CO2 and O2 from entering the plant.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 728 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

2. The broad, flat part of a leaf is called the __________, while the stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem
is called the __________.
a. stipule; petiole
b. blade; stipule
c. stipule; axil
d. petiole; axil
e. blade; petiole
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

3. Leaflike outgrowths at the base of the leaf stalk are referred to as:
a. axils.
b. blades.
c. lamina.
d. petioles.
e. stipules.
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

4. Compound leaves have:

a. parallel veins instead of netted veins.
b. alternate leaf attachment instead of opposite leaf attachment.
c. palmately netted leaves instead of pinnately netted leaves.
d. two or more leaflets instead of a single blade.
e. many leaves per plant instead of a single leaf per plant.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

5. The area of the angle between the stem and the leaf stalk is referred to as the:
a. axil.
b. blade.
c. petiole.
d. stipule.
e. trichome.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

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 Figure 34-1
Use the figure to answer the corresponding question(s).

6. The leaf arrangement illustrated in Figure 34-1 is:

a. pinnate.
b. alternate.
c. compound.
d. whorled.
e. parallel.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 729-730 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

7. The type of leaf arrangement in Figure 34-1 is characteristic of:

a. ashes.
b. maples.
c. catalpas.
d. beeches.
e. buckeyes.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 729-730 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

8. Which of the following statements does not describe the leaf epidermis?
a. The cells all contain chloroplasts and photosynthesize.
b. Some of the cells are modified to form trichomes.
c. The cells are covered by a waxy cuticle.
d. The cells are relatively transparent.
e. It contains stomata, each of which is flanked by two guard cells.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 730 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

9. The cuticle consists of:

a. cellulose.
b. lignin.
c. hemicellulose.
d. starch.
e. cutin.
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

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10. Which of the following statements concerning trichomes is FALSE?
a. They reduce water loss from leaf surface.
b. They deter herbivores.
c. They excrete excess salts absorbed from salty soil.
d. They are hairlike structures on the epidermis.
e. They facilitate gas exchange.
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

11. Stomata are:

a. waxy layers that cover leaves.
b. openings in the leaf epidermis.
c. extensions of bundle sheaths.
d. particularly numerous on the upper epidermis.
e. guarded by two stipule cells.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

12. The only epidermal cells with chloroplasts are:

a. stomata.
b. stoma.
c. parenchyma.
d. guard cells.
e. all of these.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

13. Guard cells are often associated with __________, special epidermal cells that provide a reservoir of
water and ions.
a. companion cells
b. cuticle cells
c. cork cells
d. sclerenchyma cells
e. subsidiary cells
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

14. Floating leaves of aquatic plants have:

a. stomata only on the lower epidermis.
b. stomata only on the upper epidermis.
c. stomata on both the lower and upper epidermis.
d. no stomata on the epidermis.
e. stomata only within the mesophyll.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

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 Figure 34-2
Use the figure to answer the corresponding question(s).

15. In Figure 34-2, the palisade mesophyll is labeled:

a. 1.
b. 2.
c. 3.
d. 6.
e. 9.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 731-732 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

16. Refer to Figure 34-2. The structure labeled __________ is responsible for the transport of dissolved
sugars.
a. 4
b. 5
c. 6
d. 7
e. 9
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 731-732 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

17. The organization of tissues in Figure 34-2 is characteristic of:

a. a stem.
b. a spine.
c. a leaf.
d. a bulb.
e. a bud scale.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 731-732 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

18. The middle portion of a leaf that is sandwiched between the upper and lower epidermis is called the:
a. mesoderm.
b. middle lamella.
c. mesophyte.
d. bundle sheath.
e. mesophyll.
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

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19. Mesophyll cells are:
a. arranged tightly together.
b. separated by intercellular spaces.
c. responsible for the opening and closing of stomata.
d. devoid of chloroplasts.
e. covered by a waxy cuticle, which they secrete.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

20. Photosynthesis occurs chiefly in the leaf's:

a. epidermis.
b. bundle sheath extensions.
c. mesophyll.
d. trichomes.
e. vascular bundles.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

21. The primary function of spongy mesophyll is:

a. photosynthesis.
b. transpiration.
c. to allow diffusion of gases.
d. transport of substances.
e. transport of water.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

22. Eudicot leaves typically have:

a. alternately palmate venation.
b. netted venation.
c. parallel venation.
d. alternately pinnate venation.
e. no venation.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

23. Monocot leaves typically have:

a. alternately palmate venation.
b. netted venation.
c. parallel venation.
d. alternately pinnate venation.
e. no venation.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

24. Which of the following is not true of monocot leaves?

a. Many monocots have a distinct palisade layer.
b. Many monocots lack a petiole.
c. Many monocots lack a distinct spongy layer.
d. Many monocot leaves are narrow.
e. Many monocot leaves wrap around the stem forming a sheath.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

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25. During the photosynthetic process, __________ diffuses into the leaf, while __________ diffuses out
of the leaf.
a. carbon dioxide; oxygen
b. oxygen; carbon dioxide
c. oxygen; water vapor
d. water vapor; carbon dioxide
e. water vapor; oxygen
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 733 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

26. The process of photosynthesis involves the conversion of:

a. oxygen and water into sugar.
b. sugar into starches and cellulose.
c. oxygen and sugar into water.
d. carbon dioxide and water into sugar.
e. sugar and water into lipids.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 733-734 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

27. What structures provide support to the leaf and prevent it from collapsing under its own weight?
a. palisade mesophyll and spongy mesophyll
b. guard cells and the lower epidermis
c. bundle sheaths and bundle sheath extensions
d. cuticle and the upper epidermis
e. trichomes and stipules
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 734 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

28. The needles of pines and other conifers are adapted to:
a. conserve water.
b. defend against herbivores.
c. reduce the effects of intense sunlight.
d. reduce the effects of snow and ice.
e. reduce the effects of wind.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 734 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

29. Which structure or structures function to open and close the stomata?
a. cuticle
b. mesophyll
c. palisade cells
d. guard cells
e. chloroplasts
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 734 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

30. __________ colored light triggers stomatal opening.

a. Red
b. Blue
c. Orange
d. Green
e. Yellow
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 735 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

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31. In the mechanism of stomatal opening, after light activates proton pumps which of the following
happens next?
a. Guard cells change shape.
b. Hydrogen ions are actively transported out of guard cells.
c. Potassium ions diffuse into guard cells.
d. Chloride ions diffuse out of guard cells.
e. Water moves by osmosis into guard cells.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 735 | p. 736
OBJ: Bloom's: Application

32. Before a stoma opens:

a. the level of carbon dioxide inside the leaf increases.
b. potassium ions are actively transported out of guard cells.
c. potassium ions are actively transported into guard cells.
d. the turgor pressure inside the guard cells decreases.
e. water moves by osmosis out of the guard cells.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 735 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

33. Opening of the stomata:

a. occurs during prolonged periods of drought.
b. occurs when there is a high concentration of carbon dioxide in the leaf.
c. is under hormonal control.
d. is triggered by darkness.
e. is controlled by the changes in shape of the companion cells.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 736 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

34. Photosynthesis reduces the leaf's internal concentration of:

a. hydrogen.
b. carbon dioxide.
c. nitrogen.
d. oxygen.
e. sugars and starches.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 736 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

35. If a plant were placed in continual darkness, it would continue to open and close its stomata at
approximately the same time each day. This phenomenon is governed by:
a. annual rhythms.
b. floral clocks.
c. transpiration.
d. temporal mechanisms.
e. circadian rhythms.
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 736 OBJ: Bloom's: Application

36. Which of the following is most important in stomatal closing?

a. declining sucrose concentrations
b. rising sucrose concentrations
c. rising potassium concentrations
d. declining potassium concentrations
e. declining chloride concentrations
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 736 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

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37. The stomatal opening and closing are under the control of __________.
a. ethylene
b. cytokinins
c. auxins
d. abscisic acid
e. gibberellins
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 736 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

38. The process by which water is lost by evaporation from plant parts is known as:
a. vaporization.
b. photosynthesis.
c. guttation.
d. transpiration.
e. abscission.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 737 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

39. __________ is responsible for water movement in plants.

a. Guttatiion
b. Evaporation
c. Transpiration
d. Photosynthesis
e. Cellular respiration
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 737 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

40. The rate of transpiration increases under all of the following conditions except:
a. increased wind.
b. increased humidity.
c. increased temperature.
d. presence of sunlight.
e. an increase in dry air.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 737 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

41. Transpiration:
a. declines in areas where forests have been cleared.
b. is a relatively minor component of the global hydrological cycle.
c. is a synonym for precipitation.
d. is significant to climate issues, but only in relationship to tropical rainforests.
e. does not occur in India due to the local geographic conditions and extent of ocean surface.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 737 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

42. The release of liquid water by leaves when soil moisture is high is known as:
a. vaporization.
b. photosynthesis.
c. guttation.
d. transpiration.
e. abscission.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 737 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

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43. Leaf abscission:
a. occurs as a response to increased temperatures.
b. occurs as a response to dry conditions.
c. involves the formation of a tendril at the base of the petiole.
d. occurs year-round on deciduous plants.
e. does not occur in conifers.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 738 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

44. Leaf abscission is initiated and orchestrated by changing levels of the plant hormone __________.
a. ethylene
b. cytokinin
c. auxin
d. abscisic acid
e. gibberellin
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 738 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

45. Which of the following is not associated with leaf abscission?

a. Chlorophyll breaks down.
b. Anthocyanins accumulate.
c. A layer of cork develops.
d. The middle lamella is strengthened.
e. Carotenoids become visible.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 738 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

46. The area where the petiole detaches from the stem is referred to as the:
a. abscission zone.
b. middle lamella.
c. bundle sheath extension.
d. terminal bud.
e. bud scale scar.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 738 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

47. The spines of a cactus are actually modified:

a. branches.
b. stems.
c. leaves.
d. roots.
e. trichomes.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 738-739 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

48. In cactus plants, the__________ is the main organ of photosynthesis.

a. leaf
b. spine
c. stem
d. flower
e. fruit
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 739 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

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 49. Modified leaves that protect meristematic tissue at the tips of woody plants are known as:
a. bulbs.
b. bud scales.
c. spines.
d. tendrils.
e. scale scars.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 739 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

50. Underground stems with fleshy leaves used for storage of water and food are known as:
a. tendrils.
b. spines.
c. bulbs.
d. buds.
e. stipules.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 739 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

51. Insectivorous plants:

a. typically grow in nutrient-rich soil.
b. enhance a poor supply of CO2 through capturing prey.
c. use modified leaves to trap their prey.
d. require symbiotic insects and insect larvae to digest their prey.
e. require microorganisms to digest their prey.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 739 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

SHORT ANSWER

1. Identify and describe:

A. three different ways in which leaves can be arranged on stems, and list one example for each.
B. three different venation patterns in leaves and whether each is characteristic of eudicots or
monocots.

ANS:
A. 1) alternate arrangement: one leaf per node, e.g., beech
2) opposite arrangement: two leaves per node, e.g., maple
3) whorled arrangement: three or more leaves per node, e.g., catalpa
B. 1) parallel venation: primary veins run parallel to each other; monocots
2) pinnately netted: major veins branching off a midvein; eudicots
3) palmately netted: major veins radiating from one point; eudicots

PTS: 1 REF: p. 729-730 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

2. Compare the leaf structure of monocots and eudicots.

ANS:
Monocots: Have parallel venation, lack a petiole, mesophyll not differentiated into palisade and
spongy layers, guard cells can have the shape of either kidney beans or dumbbells.
Eudicots: Have netted venation, have a petiole, mesophyll differentiated into palisade and spongy
layers, guard cells have the shape of kidney beans.

PTS: 1 REF: p. 732-733 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

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 3. Identify three different types of modified leaves and list the function of each.

ANS:
spines: deter herbivores
tendrils: help keep a vine attached to the structure on which it grows
bud scales: protect the apical meristem
bulbs: storage

PTS: 1 REF: p. 738-739 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE

1. A leaf without a blade is said to be sessile.

____________________

ANS: F, petiole
PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

2. An alternate leaf arrangement is one in which there is one leaf per node.
____________________

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 729

OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

3. Parallel venation is characteristic of eudicot leaves.

____________________

ANS: F, Netted
PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

4. Subsidiary cells are the only epidermal cells that have chloroplasts.
____________________

ANS: F, Guard cells

PTS: 1 REF: p. 732 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

5. Palisade mesophyll is a tissue typically found on the side of the leaf toward the upper epidermis.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 732

OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

6. The bundle sheath typically surrounds the larger veins.

____________________

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 732

OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

7. A cross section of a monocot leaf typically shows veins in both cross-section and lengthwise section.
____________________

ANS: F, eudicot

Chapter 34—Leaf Structure and Function 524

 PTS: 1 REF: p. 733 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

8. Red light has a wavelength that is the most effective for triggering stomatal opening.
____________________

ANS: F, Blue
PTS: 1 REF: p. 735 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

9. Stomata close as a result of water moving into guard cells.

____________________

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 734

OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

10. Most transpiration occurs through stomata.

____________________

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 737

OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

11. Guttation is the process most responsible for moving water and minerals through the plant.
____________________

ANS: F, Transpiration
PTS: 1 REF: p. 737 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

12. Leaf abscission is initiated and orchestrated by the hormone abscisic acid.
____________________

ANS: F, ethylene
PTS: 1 REF: p. 738 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

13. A spine is a modified branch.

____________________

ANS: F, leaf
PTS: 1 REF: p. 738-739 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

MATCHING

Indicate whether each of the following characteristics is generally found in monocots or in eudicots.
a. monocots b. eudicots
1. have a petiole
2. leaf forms a sheath at the leaf base
3. exhibit palmately netted venation
4. exhibit parallel venation
5. mesophyll usually differentiated into palisade and spongy layers
6. guard cells may be dumbbell shaped
7. exhibit pinnately netted venation

1. ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

2. ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

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 3. ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
4. ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
5. ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
6. ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 733 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
7. ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 729 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

ESSAY

1. Explain how the structure of a leaf contributes to the function of photosynthesis.

ANS:
Concepts to Consider: Epidermis--transparent structure allows light to enter the inner mesophyll
layer where photosynthesis takes place. Stomata--allow gas exchange (CO 2 and O2) to occur. Xylem--
transports water absorbed by roots from soil to leaf. Veins--carry sugar to all parts of plant. Bundle
sheaths and extensions--prevent collapse of leaf and give support

PTS: 1 REF: p. 729-733 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

TOP: Discussion or Thought Questions

2. Explain how the movement of hydrogen and potassium ions across the membranes of guard cells
opens and closes the stomata.

ANS:
Concepts to Consider: Light triggers H+ to be pumped out of guard cells; K+ can then be actively
transported into guard cells; this results in the entry of water by osmosis into guard cells; turgidity of
guard cells is increased, causing them to change shape and open pore. There appears to be a reversal of
this process for stomatal closure.

PTS: 1 REF: p. 734-736 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

TOP: Discussion or Thought Questions

3. Describe the benefits of transpiration to plants.

ANS:
Concepts to Consider: Transpiration is responsible for movement of water from roots to leaves; it
cools leaves and stems by carrying heat out as water is evaporated; it provides plants with essential
nutrient minerals dissolved in water absorbed by roots.

PTS: 1 REF: p. 736-737 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

TOP: Discussion or Thought Questions

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