The elongated shape of palisade mesophyll cells allows for a larger surface area for light absorption and chloroplast distribution, both of which are crucial for efficient photosynthesis. The shape also ensures that the chloroplasts are positioned closer to the upper epidermis where light intensity is highest, maximizing photosynthetic success. Additionally, the tightly packed cells minimize the amount of airspace between them, reducing the amount of light refraction and reflection that could decrease photosynthetic efficiency.
