How are leaves of a plant adapted to enable photosynthesis?

Leaves have 4 main adaptations which enable them to carry out photosynthesis successfully. 

1) Thin - this allows carbon dioxide to easily diffuse into the leaf cells 

2) Transparent epidermis - this allows light to reach the palisade cells 

3) Large surface area - allows lots of light to be absorbed 

4) Waxy surface - protects the leaves without blocking out light 

RG
Answered by Rebecca G. Biology tutor

15083 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is diffusion? (GSCE: OCR, Edexcel, AQA)


What is osmosis and where does it occur in the human body?


Describe the effect of an increase in ADH production on the kidney and on the composition of urine.


How is information passed across a synapse?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning