The main function of a leaf is to produce food for plants. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most important parts of plants. Leaves absorb sunlight to get energy and take water from the ground and carbon dioxide from the air. The leaves will use water and carbon dioxide to produce sugar and food.

The process of producing food leaves for plants is referred to as photosynthesis. Food is synthesised using light or food. Since food is produced in the leaves, they are referred to as kitchens. Therefore, it is advisable to know the basic function of leaves to determine their effectiveness and why they are important for plants. 

What is a Leaf? 

A leaf refers to the flat lateral, green, outgrown part of the plant. They are available in different sizes, shapes and colours. They are flattened and thin. They contain chlorophyll which helps to conduct photosynthesis. 

The leaves are divided into two parts. These include the following:

The petiole: The petiole is a stalk-like structure that is responsible for connecting leaf blades to the stem. It has various tubes that eventually play an important role in connecting the leaf blade to the stem. They also play an important role in ensuring the flow of water. They further carry food to other parts of the plant. 

The leaf blade: The lead blade is also referred to as the lamina and is one of the most important parts of the plant. This is the main area where photosynthesis will occur. It has a midrib across the centre of the leaf blade. The central part of the leaf is the main vein. The branches or veins arise from the midrib. The leaf blade features different types of edges and vein patterns. Furthermore, the number of blades in each lead will vary as well. 

Main plants may have a different leaf structure that is known as stipules. These are small flap-like structures which will eventually grow on the petioles, most likely at the bar of petioles. These structures are extremely crucial for plants. Once the petiole grows, the stipules will eventually fall. 

Internal Structure of Leaf

Every leaf has a cuticle that is present in the upper layer. This layer is responsible for protecting the plant from drying out. There will be a reduction in water loss. The upper epidermis will further protect the plants from the single layer. It plays an important role in allowing the water molecule to pass. 

The Palisade mesophyll is present below the epidermis. The spongy mesophyll is the second layer and is made up of irregular shape cells. It has surrounded airspace. On the other hand, the lower epidermis is present right below the spongy mesophyll which further has stomata and vascular bundles. Stomata refer to the pore-like opening that is present on the underside of the leaf. The stoma will have two guard cells that will eventually control the opening and closing of the stomata. 

The leaves also contain vascular tissue. The vascular tissue is found in different parts of the lead. It is made up of phloem and xylem. Furthermore, it will play an important role in transporting water and food. 

Functions of Leaf

Apart from being known as the kitchen of the plant, the leaf will be effective for various stages. Some of the common functions of the leaf include the following:

Photosynthesis

Being known as the kitchen of the plant, the major function of leaves is photosynthesis. Leaves have chloroplast that contains a pigment that means chlorophyll. This chlorophyll further plays an important role in producing food. After the food is prepared, it will be transported to other parts of the plant using the phloem tissue. 

Food Storage

One of the major reasons why leaves are known as the kitchen of the plants is because food is stored in them. After the food is produced, many plants will modify the leaves to store the food in it. These are xerophytic plants with succulent leaves that store food. 

Helps Plant Breathe

The epidermis of the leaf has guard cells or stomata. These control and regulate the small pores that are present on the undersurface of leaves. These pores are referred to as stomata. The stomata play an important role in regulating the water inside and outside of the cell. Furthermore, it also plays an important role in exchanging gases throughout the epidermis. 

Leaf Modifications

Many whole leaves or parts of the leaves will be modified to meet the special function like climbing, substrate attachment, digesting insects as prey, or protective bus scales. The shoot growth is resumed during the spring. Most of these plants undergo complete modification till the leaves are developed. 

Spines are also a kind of modified leaves. These are usually found in cacti. These spines play an important role in protecting the plants from herbivores and radiation from heat. The stipules will further be modified to meet the paired stipular vines, and the blades will fall off. The petiole will exist as a spine. 

The desert plants often change their development, especially in terms of succulent leaves. These desert plants have succulent leaves that play an important role in absorbing nutrients and water. The most common types of storage leaves include the succulent leaves that are found on the base of underground bulbs. There are nonparasitic plants as well that contribute to the storage of organs and foods as well. The petioles play an important role in keeping the plant afloat. 

Leaves are the kitchen of plants. We hope you find this article helpful. Subscribe to Embibe to get updates on more educational articles.