Leaf structure — Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science
How the structures of a dicotyledonous leaf are adapted for photosynthesis.
Revision notes
1 short note, in the order of the specification. Each one in short:
Leaves are thin with a large surface area; palisade cells hold most chloroplasts and stomata let gases in and out for photosynthesis.
Exam questions
2 exam-style questions (2 marks), each with its mark scheme.
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2 cards: flip them, mark what you knew, and practise the rest.
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The whole of plant nutrition on one page, so you can see where this subtopic fits.
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Quick check questions
State two features of most leaves.
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Large surface area and thin.
Where are most chloroplasts found in a leaf?
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In the palisade mesophyll cells.
What is the function of the guard cells?
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To open and close the stomata.
Written and checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653) specification · Updated October 2026