explain why the upper skin of a leaf is transparent
it is transparent to let light through to the cels below
The upper skin of the leaf is transparent to let light through to the cells below. It is covered by a later of wax.
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https://www.mrsd.org/cms/lib/NH01912397/Centricity/Domain/245/the%20structure%20of%20a%20leaf%20reading.pdf
The upper skin, also known as the upper epidermis, of a leaf is transparent for a specific reason related to the leaf's function. To understand why it is transparent, we need to consider the process of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a form of sugar) and oxygen. This process occurs within specialized cells called chloroplasts, which contain a pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, particularly in the red and blue wavelengths, that is crucial for photosynthesis to occur.
Since chlorophyll is primarily located in the cells of the lower epidermis of leaves, it is necessary for light to pass through the upper epidermis and reach the lower cells where photosynthesis takes place. This is why the upper epidermis is transparent. The transparency allows light to penetrate the leaf and reach the chloroplasts within the cells, maximizing the potential for photosynthesis to occur efficiently.
In addition to allowing light penetration, the transparency of the upper epidermis also helps reduce the amount of light reflection from the leaf surface. If the upper epidermis were not transparent, a significant portion of the sunlight would be reflected off the leaf, resulting in less energy available for photosynthesis.
In summary, the upper skin of a leaf is transparent to allow light to pass through and reach the chloroplasts in the lower cells for efficient photosynthesis.