Photosynthesis in Leaf Mesophyll Cells

Steps:

• Photosynthesis occurs in cells with chloroplasts, primarily mesophyll in dicot leaves.
• Palisade mesophyll (upper layer) and spongy mesophyll (lower layer) contain these chloroplasts.
• Diagram labels identify 2 as palisade mesophyll and 4 as spongy mesophyll.
• Thus, cells 2 and 4 perform photosynthesis.

Why C is correct:

• Mesophyll cells (palisade and spongy) house chloroplasts for light-dependent reactions, as defined in plant cell function.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Cell 1 is upper epidermis, lacking chloroplasts for protection only.
• B: Cell 1 is epidermis (no chloroplasts); cell 5 is vascular tissue for transport.
• D: Cell 3 is lower epidermis (no chloroplasts); cell 5 is vascular (no photosynthesis).

Final answer: C