The air spaces in the leaf interior:
a. block gas exchange between the mesophyll cells and the environment.
b. make the leaf weigh more than a leaf packed tightly with cells.
c. make the leaf weigh less than a leaf packed tightly with cells.
d. carry out most of the photosynthesis in the leaf.
Answer (3)
C. They help with gas exchange, and the air taking up the space is lighter than the cells that could be there instead. Also, only cells can carry out photosynthesis, not air.
The air spaces inside the leaf facilitate gas exchange necessary for photosynthesis, making the leaf lighter than if it were packed with cells. They are crucial for the plant's gas exchange, not for blocking it or carrying out photosynthesis themselves.
The question is asking about the role of the air spaces within the interior of a leaf. These air spaces serve a key function in the process of photosynthesis. They are large and intercellular, meaning they exist between the mesophyll cells, which are the cells in the leaf where photosynthesis predominantly occurs. These spaces allow for the efficient exchange of gases; they enable oxygen to be released into the atmosphere while allowing carbon dioxide to enter the leaf. Thus, these air spaces are vital for facilitating gas exchange and are not intended to block it, make the leaf weigh more, or carry out photosynthesis themselves.
The correct answer is that the air spaces in the leaf interior make the leaf weigh less than a leaf packed tightly with cells. This is because air is much lighter than solid plant tissues. They do not block the gas exchange but rather facilitate it, which is crucial for the process of photosynthesis to occur in the mesophyll cells containing chloroplasts.
The correct answer is C: the air spaces in the leaf make it weigh less than a leaf packed tightly with cells. These air spaces facilitate essential gas exchange, playing a key role in the process of photosynthesis without directly participating in it themselves. Thus, the presence of air in the leaf reduces its overall weight while enhancing functionality.
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