NEETBotanyAnatomy of Flowering Plants
What is the function of the mesophyll in a leaf?
Options
- ATo provide mechanical strength
- BTo absorb water and curl the leaves
- CTo carry out photosynthesis
- DTo provide a protective layer
Correct answer
C. To carry out photosynthesis
Step-by-step solution
The vertical section of a dorsiventral leaf through the lamina shows three main parts, namely, epidermis, mesophyll and vascular system. The epidermis which covers both the upper surface (adaxial epidermis) and lower surface (abaxial epidermis) of the leaf has a conspicuous cuticle. The abaxial epidermis generally bears more stomata than the adaxial epidermis. The latter may even lack stomata. The tissue between the upper and the lower epidermis is called the mesophyll. Mesophyll, which possesses chloroplasts and c