# Explain why the palisade mesophyll tissue is well suited to carry out photosynthesis in a leaf.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 2.5 Nutrition: flowering plants · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Palisade mesophyll cells contain many chloroplasts / chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis
2. Palisade mesophyll is located at the top / upper surface of the leaf to receive maximum light
3. The cells are column-shaped / tightly packed, increasing the number of chloroplasts per unit area / maximising light absorption
4. Carbon dioxide / water can diffuse into the cells for photosynthesis (e.g. CO₂ diffuses in from air spaces / water moves in from xylem)

## Key terms

- [palisade mesophyll](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/palisade-mesophyll)
- [photosynthesis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/photosynthesis)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-palisade-mesophyll-tissue-9580ad30) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.