In this post, I’d like to get things back to some of the very basics of Nature, which has no shortage of amazing, wonder-worthy attributes.
The leaf is a a rather everyday item that we encounter in many places. However, lest we forget that leaves are the powerhouse of plants. In most plants, leaves are the major site of food production for the plant. Structures within a leaf convert the energy in sunlight into chemical energy that the plant can use as food. Chlorophyll is the molecule in leaves that uses the energy in sunlight to turn water (H2O) and carbon dioxide gas (CO2) into sugar and oxygen gas (O2).
A leaf is made of many layers that are sandwiched between two layers of tough skin cells (called the epidermis). The epidermis also secretes a waxy substance called the cuticle. These layers protect the leaf from insects, bacteria, and other pests. Among the epidermal cells are pairs of sausage-shaped guard cells. Each pair of guard cells forms a pore (called stoma; the plural is stomata). Gases enter and exit the leaf through the stomata.
Most food production takes place in elongated cells called palisade mesophyll. Gas exchange occurs in the air spaces between the oddly-shaped cells of the spongy mesophyll.
Veins support the leaf and are filled with vessels that transport food, water, and minerals to the plant.
And, if this is not enough to amaze you, leaves are things of beauty as well.
Hope you enjoyed this!!
Technical Data
This image was captured with a Canon EOS 5D Mk III using an EF 24-105mm f/4L lens with a circular polarizer. Exposure was at 1/320 second at f/8 and 320 ISO.
Beautiful picture. Enjoyed the Botany teaching.
Without a circular polarizer, is there a way to get the same affect in post processing?
Thank you! Yes, you can post process, but it’s a bit of work, as one of the real benefits is the deeper blue color without making anything else darker; certain things, such as taking out reflections would be a lot harder to process. A circular polarizer is definitely worth the investment.
Thanks. I thought so but wanted to confirm. I have a Canon 55-250 IS lens but the front rotates during zooming, so it is hard to have a circular polarizer fitted to that lens. It is a good lens, not “L” quality, but does the job.
Yes, that would present a problem. You might find that it’s worth the money to invest in a higher-end lens, as the construction is such that they just don’t quit. I have had my EF 70-200mm f2.8/L for more than 12 years now and it still operates without any issue, despite having been in lots of bad outdoor environmental conditions.
One of these days.😊
Lovely picture. I’m a HUGE leaf fan.