IGCSEBiologyCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes6. Plant NutritionPhotosynthesis & Leaf StructureIdentifying Leaf Structures in a Dicotyledonous Plant

Identifying Leaf Structures in a Dicotyledonous Plant (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 0610 & 0970

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Updated on 26 August 2026

Identifying leaf structures in a dicotyledonous plant

The following structures should be identifiable in the leaf of a dicotyledonous plant:
- Chloroplasts
- Cuticle
- Guard cells
- Stomata
- Upper and lower epidermis
- Palisade mesophyll
- Spongy mesophyll
- Air spaces
- Vascular bundles (xylem and phloem) (opens in a new tab)

Diagram of a leaf cross-section labelling upper and lower epidermis, mesophyll tissues, vascular bundle, air spaces and guard cells, plus a palisade plant cell — **Diagram showing the cross-section of a leaf**

Diagram illustrating a leaf cross-section as would be seen with an electron microscope, labelled waxy cuticle, upper and lower epidermis, palisade and spongy mesophyll layers, and guard cells near the lower surface — **An electron micrograph of a leaf**

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Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Content Creator

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.

Reviewer: Jenna Quinn

Expertise: Content Creator

Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.