Palisade Mesophyll - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Palisade mesophyll is a layer of cells found in the leaves of plants that is important for photosynthesis, the process by which plants make food using sunlight. The palisade mesophyll cells are tightly packed and contain many chloroplasts, which capture light energy. This layer is located just below the upper epidermis of the leaf and the cells are shaped like columns to maximise light absorption. This structure helps the plant absorb as much light as possible, making it essential to how plants produce energy and grow.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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