Describe the internal structure of a dorsiventral leaf with the help of labelled diagrams.
Explanation Leaves found in dicots are of dorsiventral type. The leaf surface consists of three basic parts: Epidermis- The epidermis on the upper surface [adaxial epidermis] bears more number of stomata than that of the lower surface [abaxial epidermis]. The epidermis has a thick cuticle. Mesophyll- It is found between the adaxial and the abaxial epidermis. It differentiates into tall, compact cells called palisade parenchyma and oval, loose cells called spongy parenchyma. Chloroplasts are found in this tissue, which perform photosynthesis. Vascular system- The vascular bundles are both conjoint and closed. Cambium is absent. Special cells, called bundle sheath cells, enclose the vascular bundles.
