Diagram of the Anatomy of the Leaf on a Plant Poster

In botany, a leaf is an above-ground plant organ specialized for the process of photosynthesis. Leaves are typically flat (laminar) and thin, which evolved as a means to maximize the surface area directly exposed to light. Likewise, the internal organization of leaves has evolved to maximize exposure of the photosynthetic organelles, the chloroplasts, to light and to increase the absorption of carbon dioxide, in a process called photosynthesis. Most leaves have stomata, which regulate carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water vapour exchange with the atmosphere. The shape and structure of leaves vary considerably depending on climate, primarily due to the availability of light and potential for water loss due to temperature and humidity. Leaves are also the primary site, in most plants, where transpiration and guttation take place. Leaves can also store food and water, and are modified in some plants for these purposes. The concentration of photosynthesis in leaves makes them rich in protein, minerals, and sugars. Because of their nutritional value, leaves are prominent in the diet of many animals, including humans as leaf vegetables. Foliage is a mass noun that refers to leaves. Image reproduction rights can be found in the link near the bottom of this description. Sign up to Mr. Rebates for FREE and save 12% on any zazzle order in addition to a $5.00 sign up bonus All Rights Reserved; without: prejudice, recourse or notice (U.C.C. 1-308) Image Reproduction Rights: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leaf_anatomy.svg leaf anatomy plant leaves foliage diagram chart botany "leaf anatomy" "leaf chart" "leaf diagram" "botany chart" "botany diagram" "plant chart" "plant diagram" "plant leaf" "plant anatomy" photosynthesis science "science chart" "science diagram" "school chart" "school diagram" "anatomy of a leaf" leaf