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Polytrichadelphus pseudopolytrichum - leaf structure
Detail of a thinner section of a leaf, showing the complexity of the leaf structure and the photosynthetic lamellae. Note the paler coloured marginal cells that make up the upper margin of each lamella, these are slightly broader than the lamellae and create spaces that will be filled with humid air between the lamellae, ideal conditions for photosynthesis. They also repell water, making it difficult for rain to fill the spaces between the laminas and slowing down photosynthesis. The odd shape and differentially thickened walls of these marginal cells may also fucntion as miniature lenses, scattering and distributing light more evenly over the phtosynthetic cells.
Polytrichadelphus pseudopolytrichum - leaf structure
Detail of a thinner section of a leaf, showing the complexity of the leaf structure and the photosynthetic lamellae. Note the paler coloured marginal cells that make up the upper margin of each lamella, these are slightly broader than the lamellae and create spaces that will be filled with humid air between the lamellae, ideal conditions for photosynthesis. They also repell water, making it difficult for rain to fill the spaces between the laminas and slowing down photosynthesis. The odd shape and differentially thickened walls of these marginal cells may also fucntion as miniature lenses, scattering and distributing light more evenly over the phtosynthetic cells.