spongy mesophyll
Loose tissue beneath the palisade layer of a leaf; has many air spaces between its cells to trap and move gases into or out of the leaf.
Spongy mesophyll is a type of tissue found in the leaves of plants. It is located in the interior of the leaf, beneath the upper epidermis and above the lower epidermis. Spongy mesophyll is composed of loosely packed, irregularly-shaped cells that contain large air spaces or intercellular spaces.
The main function of spongy mesophyll is to facilitate gas exchange between the leaf and the atmosphere. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (CO2) enters the leaf through small openings called stomata and oxygen (O2) is released. Spongy mesophyll cells provide a large surface area for CO2 diffusion into the leaf and O2 diffusion out of the leaf. The air spaces within the spongy mesophyll also allow for the diffusion of other gases, including water vapor and nitrogen.
In addition to its gas exchange function, spongy mesophyll also plays a role in water and nutrient uptake. The large air spaces within the tissue allow for easier movement of water and dissolved nutrients through the leaf. This is important for maintaining the plant’s overall health and growth.
Overall, spongy mesophyll is a vital tissue in the photosynthetic process of plants and plays a crucial role in maintaining their health and growth.
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