IGCSE · Biology 0610 · Plant nutrition

Leaf structure: IGCSE Biology questions with answers

Free Leaf structure questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Plant nutrition. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

Generate a full Leaf Structure worksheet →All Plant nutrition questions

Leaf structure practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

A leaf is adapted for photosynthesis.
1    Most stomata are on the upper surface of the leaf.
2    The upper epidermis cells contain many chloroplasts.
3    Air spaces in the spongy mesophyll allow gases to diffuse.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1 and 3 only
  2. B 2 and 3 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 3 only
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which statement describes stomata?

  1. A Pores in the leaf epidermis, opened and closed by guard cells, for gas exchange
  2. B The layer of leaf cells with many chloroplasts where most photosynthesis occurs
  3. C A growth response of a plant to the direction of light
  4. D A growth response of a plant to gravity
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

A leaf is adapted for photosynthesis.
1    Palisade mesophyll cells contain the most chloroplasts.
2    The upper epidermis cells contain many chloroplasts.
3    Most stomata are on the upper surface of the leaf.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1 and 2 only
  2. B 1 and 3 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 2 only
Show answer

Answer: C

Question 4Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

The upper epidermis of a leaf has a waxy cuticle.

(a)

Explain the function of the waxy cuticle.

[1]
(b)

Explain why most stomata are on the lower surface of the leaf.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)reduces water loss
reduces water loss by evaporation B1
1
(b)cooler, less water loss
the lower surface is cooler and shaded B1
less water is lost by transpiration B1
2
Question 5Structured · 3 marks

A transverse section of a leaf shows several tissues.

(a)

Name the tissue in a leaf that transports water.

[1]
(b)

Explain why leaves are thin and broad.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)xylem
xylem B1
1
(b)large surface area for light; short diffusion distance
broad: large surface area to absorb light B1
thin: short distance for gases to diffuse B1
2
Question 6Structured · 6 marks

Leaves are adapted for photosynthesis.

(a)

Explain how the palisade mesophyll is adapted for photosynthesis.

[2]
(b)

Explain the function of the air spaces in the spongy mesophyll.

[2]
(c)

State the function of the stomata and the guard cells.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)many chloroplasts, near upper surface
cells packed with chloroplasts B1
near the upper surface to absorb light B1
2
(b)gas diffusion
allow carbon dioxide to diffuse to the cells (and oxygen out) B1
large surface area B1
2
(c)gas exchange; open and close
stomata allow gas exchange B1
guard cells open and close the stomata B1
2

More Plant nutrition questions

PhotosynthesisMineral requirements

Want a mentor, not just a paper?

Riyaz Shaikh has mentored IGCSE, IB and A Level students for 15+ years, one-on-one, online and in Mumbai. The hardest questions on this site are the ones he uses to find a student's weak points.

Meet Riyaz →

Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in