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

15173 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is diffusion and how is it different from osmosis?


What is the difference between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells?


How many nucleotides code for an amino acid in protein synthesis?


Which best describes the function of a cell membrane? (a) It keeps the cell in shape. (b) It controls the substances entering and leaving the cell. (c) It controls the substances entering the cell. (d) It supports the cell structures.


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