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Learning objective: Students should recognize the leaf, its parts and functions.

Leaf

Leaf is the important part of the plant. Leaf is the called as the kitchen of the plant. It is
green in colour because of the presence of a green pigment called Chlorophyll. Green leaves
prepare food with the help of sunlight, air, water and chlorophyll. This process is called as
photosynthesis.

Leaves are of different shapes and sizes.

Functions of leaf:

i) Leaf prepares food for the plant.
ii) It helps plant to breathe.
iii) Some plants store food in their leaves which are edible as vegetables.
Parts of leaf:

a) Lamina- The flat and broad surface of a leaf is called the leaf blade or lamina.
b) Main vein- A thin tube running through the middle of the leaf is called main vein.
c) Side veins- Thin, small veins arising from the main vein are called as side vein. They
form a network and carries water to the leaf.
d) Stomata- Tiny openings (pores) on the lower side of the leaf through which plants
breathe is called stomata.

Learning outcome: Students understood about the leaves, its parts and functions.